Quote: "the compilation of the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, namely the books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy... known as the Pentateuch or the Five Books of Moses by Christians."
The central reference of Judaism; it is the primary source of Jewish law and contains the 613 commandments.
Introduction to Judaism: A brief overview of the history, beliefs, and practices of Judaism, the religion that gave rise to the Torah.
The Torah: Also known as the Pentateuch, this is the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, which include Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. The Torah lays out the foundational beliefs and practices of Judaism.
The Ten Commandments: These are the fundamental laws and teachings that God gave to Moses on Mount Sinai, as detailed in Exodus 20. They serve as a basis for Jewish ethics and morality.
Jewish Holidays and Festivals: Judaism has a variety of holidays and festivals that commemorate important events in Jewish history, such as Passover, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Hanukkah.
Jewish Symbols and Ritual Objects: These include the Star of David, the menorah, the Torah scroll, and the tallit (prayer shawl), among others.
Jewish Prayer and Worship: This topic covers the various prayers, blessings, and rituals that are part of Jewish worship, including the Shema, the Amidah, and the Kiddush.
Jewish Study and Scholarship: The study of Jewish texts, such as the Talmud and Midrash, is an important part of Jewish learning and religious practice.
Jewish Law: Also known as halakhah, this is the legal and ethical framework that governs Jewish life, including rules around food, marriage, and business practices.
Jewish Ethics and Morality: This topic explores the values and principles that guide Jewish ethical decision-making, such as compassion, justice, and humility.
Jewish History and Culture: Judaism has a rich history and culture that spans thousands of years and is marked by periods of flourishing and persecution. Studying Jewish history offers insights into the religion's development and influence on the world.
Written Torah: This is the primary scripture of Judaism, also known as the Tanakh or Hebrew Bible. It contains the first five books of the Bible, or Pentateuch, which are Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. It narrates the history of the Jewish people and provides ethical and moral guidance.
Oral Torah: This is the oral tradition passed down from generation to generation through oral teachings and interpretations of the Written Torah. These teachings are collected in the Talmud and other rabbinic literature.
Midrash: These are ancient Jewish texts that provide additional interpretations, stories, and commentary on the Written Torah. Midrashic literature is often used to uncover deeper meanings and explore themes and ideas within the Torah.
Commentaries: There are many commentaries written by Jewish scholars and rabbis that analyze and interpret the Torah. These commentaries provide insights into the text, its historical context, and its relevance in modern times.
Kabbalah: This is a mystical Jewish doctrine that seeks to explain the nature of God and the universe. It includes teachings on spiritual and mystical practices, such as meditation and prayer, and explores the hidden meanings and secrets within the Torah.
Quote: "known as the Written Torah in Jewish tradition... includes not only the first five, but all 24 books of the Hebrew Bible."
Quote: "If meant for liturgic purposes, it takes the form of a Torah scroll (Sefer Torah). If in bound book form, it is called Chumash."
Quote: "Torah can even mean the totality of Jewish teaching, culture, and practice, whether derived from biblical texts or later rabbinic writings."
Quote: "encompassing as many as 70 or potentially infinite faces and interpretations."
Quote: "the origin of Jewish peoplehood: their call into being by God, their trials and tribulations, and their covenant with their God."
Quote: "following a way of life embodied in a set of moral and religious obligations and civil laws (halakha)."
Quote: "The 'Tawrat' is the Arabic name for the Torah within its context as an Islamic holy book believed by Muslims to have been given by God to the prophets and messengers amongst the Children of Israel."
Quote: "both the five books (תורה שבכתב 'Torah that is written') and the Oral Torah (תורה שבעל פה, 'Torah that is spoken')."
Quote: "interpretations and amplifications which... have been handed down from generation to generation and are now embodied in the Talmud and Midrash."
Quote: "all of the teachings found in the Torah (both written and oral) were given by God through the prophet Moses."
Quote: "the written books were a product of the Babylonian captivity (c. 6th century BCE), based on earlier written sources and oral traditions."
Quote: "written on a scroll by a scribe (sofer) in Hebrew."
Quote: "read publicly at least once every three days in the presence of a congregation."
Quote: "Reading the Torah publicly is one of the bases of Jewish communal life."