Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • The foundational scripture of Judaism: The Torah refers specifically to the first five books of the Hebrew Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy), also known as the Pentateuch or the Five Books of Moses. It contains the core laws, teachings, and narratives central to Jewish faith and life.
   • The physical scroll: In a Jewish liturgical context, the Torah is the handwritten scroll of parchment containing these five books, which is read from during synagogue services.
   • The entirety of Jewish law and teaching: In its broadest sense, the Torah can encompass the entire body of Jewish sacred writings, including the Prophets, the Writings, and the extensive oral tradition and commentary.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • Every week in synagogue, a portion from the Torah is read aloud.
  • The stories of creation and the patriarchs are found in the Torah.
  • Rabbi Cohen spent years studying the Torah and its commentaries.

Advanced Usage

• "The Written Torah" (Torah Shebichtav): This term specifically distinguishes the first five books of the Hebrew Bible from the oral tradition.
  • The Written Torah forms the basis for all subsequent Jewish law.
• "The Oral Torah" (Torah Shebe'al Peh): This refers to the tradition of interpretation and elaboration that was originally transmitted orally and later compiled in texts like the Mishnah and Talmud.
  • Understanding Jewish practice requires studying both the Written and the Oral Torah.

Variants and Related Words

• Pentateuch (noun): A Greek-derived term meaning "five books," used synonymously with the Torah, especially in academic or interfaith contexts.
• Chumash (noun): A printed, book-form version of the five books of the Torah, often including translations and commentaries, used for study.
• Sefer Torah (noun): The specific term for a handwritten Torah scroll used for public liturgical reading.

Synonyms

• The Law: A traditional English translation reflecting the Torah's central legal content.
• The Five Books of Moses: A descriptive synonym highlighting its traditional authorship attribution.

Related Concepts (Not Phrasal Verbs or Idioms)

• Tanakh: The complete Hebrew Bible, which is an acronym for its three parts: Torah (Law), Nevi'im (Prophets), and Ketuvim (Writings).
• Halakha: The collective body of Jewish religious laws derived from the Written and Oral Torah.

Noun

1. (Judaism) the scroll of parchment on which the first five books of the Hebrew Scripture is written; is used in a synagogue during services
2. the first of three divisions of the Hebrew Scriptures comprising the first five books of the Hebrew Bible considered as a unit
3. the whole body of the Jewish sacred writings and tradition including the oral tradition