In general, for many obvious what the Torah.It is generally accepted that this is the Pentateuch, including the known first book of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy (the Hebrew name comes from the first words of the book, such as "Genesis" - "In the beginning", "Exodus" - "Names" and so on).But for the Jews is much broader and more capacious concept that defines the exclusivity of the nation.
worldwide spread of the synagogue, where Jewish believers worship God, communicate, teach their children.In the Jewish synagogue there is a special sacred place Aron Kodesh - the ark that holds the sacred book.What is the Torah?This Scripture is decorated in a special scroll from the hand written text.The scroll is made from specially treated parchment, which is attached to the end of the two decorated carved wooden base.Every Saturday in the synagogue to read the chapters of the Pentateuch.Thus, for the year it is re-read the entire text.
origin of the Torah as a contentious issue.Some researchers believe that these books were written gradually over several hundred years, based on the oral tradition.But any true Jew will tell you with certainty that the Torah was given on Mount Sinai by God to Moses after the people out of Egypt, the covenant was made between Gd and His people.
In these sacred books describe the origin of the earth and its initial story before and after the flood.Abraham's covenant with God gave a foundation for the appearance of the people, which shall be blessed all the nations of the earth.Special attention is paid to the moral law - the Decalogue, or, more simply, 10 commandments and the ceremonial law, which describes the standards of service in the sanctuary.The Pentateuch, the Mosaic Law clearly shows the causal relationships between living people and their welfare.Thus, the scattering of the Jews on the land - a consequence of disobedience, and the restoration of the state - a sign of mercy as a result of repentance.
texts memorized the Torah Jewish children, especially boys, heart.Every teenager going through initiation (Bar Mitzvah), first published in the synagogue to read a chapter of this book.Tradition also dictates every man-Jew to write your own list, which is fairly difficult.The fact that it is necessary to strictly follow the existing canons of writing, the number of characters is calculated to avoid an error crept in, you need to write a list of special characters, calligraphy Hebrew.Some of the book to create your own list of the specialists - calligraphers, but it is very expensive.As often happened, the Jews carry out this command, but not quite as desired.For example, one list can be ordered group and, thus, as it were, each owns Books.
What is the Torah for the Jew?This is primarily its relation to God's chosen people, especially blessed.It rules that need to build their lives and promised privileges for it.And most importantly, it means to keep itself clean and know the will of God.
You can meet a lot of negative information about the Torah, rather, it is due to the negative with respect to its interpretation by the Jews themselves.But we can not agree that the Pentateuch has played a huge role in many cultures, it formed the basis of the world's religions (Christianity and Judaism), the commandments of the Decalogue - the basis of morality of any society, the basis of criminal and civil law.Thus, despite the different answers to the question of what is the Torah, we must recognize its enormous influence on the development of human history.
