Torah

The central reference of the religious Judaic tradition

Page pointers for reading the Torah

The Torah (תּוֹרָה‎, "Instruction", "Teaching" or "Law") is the central reference of the religious Judaic tradition. It has a range of meanings. It can most specifically mean the first five books (Pentateuch) of the Hebrew Bible. It can also mean the continued narrative from the Book of Genesis to the end of the Tanakh, and it can even mean the totality of Jewish teaching, culture, and practice.

Structure and Content

The Torah consists of the following five books:

• Genesis (בְּרֵאשִׁית, Bereshit)
• Exodus (שְׁמוֹת, Shemot)
• Leviticus (וַיִּקְרָא, Vayikra)
• Numbers (בְּמִדְבַּר, Bamidbar)
• Deuteronomy (דְּבָרִים, Devarim)

These books are also known as the Pentateuch or the "Five Books of Moses." They are traditionally ascribed to Moses, who received the original revelation from God on Mount Sinai.

Interpretation and Commentary

The Torah has been subject to extensive interpretation and commentary throughout Jewish history. The Talmud and the Midrash are two major sources of rabbinic commentary on the Torah. The Talmud consists of the Mishnah and the Gemara, which elaborate on the laws and stories found in the Torah.

Torah scroll at Beth Yaacov

The Documentary Hypothesis

The Documentary Hypothesis is a scholarly theory which proposes that the Torah was derived from originally independent, parallel, and complete narratives, which were subsequently combined into the current form by a series of redactors. This hypothesis identifies four main sources, known as J, E, P, and D.

Diagram of the Modern Documentary Hypothesis

Supplementary Hypothesis

The Supplementary Hypothesis suggests that the Torah was derived from a series of additions to an original core document. This hypothesis posits that the Torah was expanded over time by various authors and editors.

Diagram of the Supplementary Hypothesis

Cultural and Religious Significance

The Torah is read publicly over the course of a year in weekly portions known as parashot. This cycle is completed annually on the holiday of Simchat Torah. The Torah is also central to Jewish prayer services and is read during the Sabbath and Jewish holidays.

Physical Form

The Torah is traditionally written on a scroll, known as a Sefer Torah, which is made from parchment. The scroll is handwritten by a trained scribe, known as a sofer, and is kept in the ark of the synagogue.

Torahs in Istanbul Ashkenazi Synagogue

Illustrations and Art

Throughout history, the Torah has been a source of inspiration for Jewish art and illustration. Many illuminated manuscripts and artistic depictions have been created to illustrate the stories and teachings of the Torah.

Illustration from the Bible in Pictures

Related Pages

• Tanakh
• Talmud
• Midrash
• Sefer Torah
• Simchat Torah