HEBREW LITERATURE: ORIGINS, CHARACTERISTICS, WORKS AND AUTHORS - LITERATURE - 2025

The Hebrew literature is listed in classical literature and corresponds to the compilation of works (in verse and prose), written in Hebrew by Jewish and non - Jewish authors, whose origins date back to the twelfth century. C. Within the Hebrew literature the books of the Old Testament, section of the Bible and the Torah stand out.

In particular, the Torah occupies an essential part of Hebrew history and its antecedents, as well as the customs and traditions of both the Jewish and the Christian people. Hebrew literature is one of the most widespread and extensive cultural manifestations in the world.

The great extension of this genre is due to the fact that it was produced in different historical moments, presenting its maximum splendor between medieval and modern times. This literature has a very marked religious character; in fact, his most representative works belong to sacred books.

As a consequence of the fact that the Jewish people spread to different parts of the world, Hebrew literature came to mix with other genres, which allowed an important literary enrichment. Among the western countries that received the most influence, Spain and Italy stand out.

Origins and history

The first antecedents of Hebrew literature date from the expressions and oral teachings from the time of Abraham, considered one of the most important figures in Christianity and Judaism.

This sacred language was transcribed in what the Jews know as The Law or the Torah. In this text you will find everything concerning the heritage of the Israelite people: from the origin of the world to the delivery of the tablets with the 10 commandments.

After the post-biblical era, Hebrew literature found another type of flourishing during the medieval period, since it is there when a series of moral and ethical precepts are established for the behavior that the Jew should have.

Other literary genres also developed, such as poetry, which became fertile ground for secular and non-secular pieces. Some of these pieces are even included in liturgies read by rabbis today.

Later, in the modern era, Hebrew authors went a little further by exploring other genres such as fiction and essay writing, which added to the poetry that had already been developed by the time.

Although it is typical to see religious elements in Hebrew literature, it is in modern times when other themes appear that add diversity to this branch.

In the modern era, people began to write about the inconveniences suffered by Jews in exile, satires towards the behavior of the rabbis and even criticisms of certain superstitions of this culture.

The diversity of Jewish works in recent times has also allowed the expression of conflicts of religious and political tendencies among practitioners of Judaism.

With the creation of the State of Israel, a new need arises to give diffusion and importance to Hebrew works, especially in the field of literature and language.

The intention is to promote the translation of modern non-Hebrew and Jewish works into this type of language, for the inclusion and knowledge of literary movements in the world.

Some writers do not have international recognition. However, there have been authors very relevant to Jewish literature.

One of them is Shmuel Yosef Agnón, a Jewish writer who won the 1966 Nobel Prize for Literature thanks to his stories about the life of Jews and the process that took place during the founding of the State of Israel.

characteristics

- Due to the precepts contemplated in the Old Testament that contemplated the prohibition of the veneration of images, there was no development of pictorial art. On the other hand, there was an important development of poetry and literature.

- Much of the literature is related to religion.

- The teachings and precepts that are compiled in the so-called sacred works, such as the Torah, come from the oral tradition of the first Jewish peoples.

- The first works are related to lived events and personal experiences with God.

- The Hebrew Bible handles historical accounts, teachings and morals supported by metaphors. It also has songs and poems made in order to propagate the basic precepts of religion.

- The Old Testament has been translated into several languages, which is why it is considered one of the most widespread works in the world.

The Tanakh as the main work

The main books of Hebrew literature are those that make up the Tanakh, a Judeo-Hebrew work in which the sacred precepts of the Jewish and Christian religions are found.

The Tanach consists of three essential parts: The Law (Torah), the Prophets and the Writings.

The law

Also called the Pentateuch, it compiles the first five books of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

These describe the most important events, such as the creation of the world, the departure of the Jewish slaves from Egypt and the delivery of the 10 commandments.

The prophets

He is called Nabim. The writings that these books contemplate have to do with the meaning of the prophecies, which rather make an invitation towards the hope of the arrival of a messiah. The works of Josué, Isaías, Jeremías and Ezequiel stand out.

The writings

They are related to songs, poems and historical books, as well as more dramatic and painful works such as those contemplated in the book of Job, in the Bible.

They include the Psalms (considered songs made by the hand of King David), Song of Songs, Ruth, Proverbs (containing short and quick-learning teachings), Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, Maccabees, I Chronicles and II Chronicles.

Literary genres

To better understand Hebrew literature, it is also necessary to include the genres that developed from it and over time:

Historical

They include real and fictional accounts, legends, myths and tales, as well as biographical data of the messiah.

Law

Compilation of norms and precepts to guide the Hebrews from the religious, daily and moral sphere. The most immediate reference is the 10 commandments.

Prophetic

Genre related to the visions, oracles and announcements of those who claim to speak in the name of God.

Sapiential

They contain teachings and lessons as lived by the sage.

Poetry

It is the most common genre in Hebrew literature, as it expresses very intimate and personal feelings. In fact, some can be found in Psalms, Lamentations, Job, and Song of Songs (attributed to Solomon).

Outstanding Authors of Hebrew Literature

As at the beginning the Jewish precepts were transmitted orally, the names of some authors were lost in history. However, below are the most important writers:

Isaiah

He is one of the most relevant prophets in Hebrew literature. Isaiah reflects a series of visions and prophecies of what would await the world in the future. It stands out thanks to its refined and structured style.

Josue

Although some of his writings were lost, several of his precepts were recovered in which he tells the political and military history of the Jewish people.

Dunash ben Labrat

Introduces Arabic meter to the poetry of this literature.

Semuel ibn Nagrella

Author of religious and secular poetry. These works were also related to the Talmud and the Torah.

Shmuel Yosef Agnon

Win the Nobel Prize in Literature for creating short stories about the experiences in the founding of the State of Israel. His prose combines biblical style and modern Hebrew.

References

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