Are the Stories of the Bible True?

Question

I’m under the impression that Orthodox Jews are taught that the stories are true. However, lately I’ve been told that the answer to this question is no.

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Answers

  1. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team

    I empathize with your question! There are certainly parts of the Bible that are meant as metaphor and not to be taken literally, e.g. Deuteronomy 10:16, which tells us to “circumcise the foreskin of your heart.” However, sections that talk about the historical experiences that shaped the Jewish People, and which many of our commandments are based upon, are meant to be taken literally. Since we believe in Divine intervention, prophecy and miracles, these stories are not fantastic and unbelievable to us. However, when it is possible, the commentaries do try to reduce the miraculous aspect of events, showing how they can be part of nature as well.

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team