Jewish ethics are primarily based on which of the following sources?

Jewish ethics are fundamentally derived from the tenakh, which encompasses the entirety of the Hebrew Bible, with a particular emphasis on the Torah. The Torah is viewed as the central religious text in Judaism, containing not only the foundational narratives of the Jewish people but also a comprehensive set of laws and commandments (mitzvot) that guide ethical behavior and moral decision-making.

The tenakh comprises three parts: the Torah (the Five Books of Moses), the Prophets (Nevi'im), and the Writings (Ketuvim). The ethical teachings found in these texts are essential for understanding Jewish law (Halakha) and for guiding personal conduct within both individual and communal contexts. The principles set out in these scriptures shape the moral framework within which Jewish law is interpreted and applied, making the Torah a cornerstone for Jewish ethical thought.

While local community traditions and practices also play a role in shaping how these ethical teachings are lived out, they do so in a way that is grounded in the biblical sources. Thus, the primary basis for Jewish ethics remains the tenakh, specifically the Torah, which provides the foundational text from which Jewish ethical teachings are derived.