Firstly I wish to apologise for my complete ignorance of Judaism
Sorry..
no need to apologize
thanks for being honest
I have a few questions.. so many thanks in advance to answers. If existing threads already cover these topics.. please don't hesitate to provide a link them.
Are the old testament books of the standard bible also considered holy books in the faith of Judaism?
There are big differences in many areas but that takes a lot of time and care to actually observe and see for yourself. i suggest observe the three faiths from the chain of abraham. here are some links, with search tools to do your own homework
http://www.usc.edu/schools/college/crcc/engagement/resources/texts/muslim/reference/glossary.html
great search tools and read friendly
Polyglot Bible: Isaiah: Isaiah 7 (this has a few languages to cross reference)
BibleGateway.com: Search for a Bible word or phrase in over 35 languages and 50 versions. (great search tools: a bunch of bible variations)
Are any viewed with controversy?
bunches, even within each of the divisions within each sect: judaism, islam and christianity
not many actually follow the same scriptures and why each of these have various belief structures; orthodox, re-formed, etc...... each has divides
and each have many differences that are quite substantial...
eg.... beliefs in moshiah, things to come and rules to follow
How are these books viewed within the faith of Judaism?
again each has variations depending on what belief system within the various religious headings.
For example: many of judaism follow the mitvahs or even zionism with fevor, while another of judaism will be against or contradict the other team, using the same books as guidelines.
Are they considered the 'inerrant word of God' in the same sense that Fundamental Christians view them.?
It seems that again is based on beliefs, but to observe reality, then know the literature said to come from Moses, is supposed to be within the Ark of the Covenant and no written material is available that is much less than 1000 yrs separated from Moses life.
So the ark is no where to be found as well nothing of Moses hand exists anywhere to be known.
With these truths, you can find the same literature of OT and Torah to be open to interpretations and beliefs but no where other than within the literature itself is there providable evidence of 'books' immaculate conception.
eg.... if you want older items, something perhaps of the periods of Moses on stone tablets....
Sumerian Tablets
and within observe that stories such as noah's 'flood' may have had its roots within other beliefs well before Moses was born.
Enjoy and
Peace