ABSTRACT
The Bible, then, is the chief source of our knowledge of Judaism. But it is not the only source. Indeed, the term "Judaism" applies only to the religion as it existed after the Biblical age, when it had been expanded under the influence of great teachers. More important was the influence of the order of teachers known as the Rabbins (i.e. masters or teachers). The Rabbins began amplifying the doctrine and practices of Judaism which took shape in the Talmud, a work which was completed about the year 500 of the present era. Judaism, instead of sinking into a rigid, stereotyped system, became a progressive and therefore a living religion, a religion making a continuous and adequate response to living needs. The Bible still retains its proud position as the principal source of Israel’s religion. It is the rock from which Judaism has been hewn, the foundation upon which the superstructure, slowly fashioned during many successive generations, has been reared.
