The Torah & Worship (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Religious Studies): Revision Note

What is the Torah?

• The Torah is the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, also known as the Five Books of Moses

  • These books are:

    • Genesis

    • Exodus

    • Leviticus

    • Numbers

    • Deuteronomy

• The Torah is a crucial text in Judaism

• It is considered the holiest part of the Tenakh (the Jewish Bible), and it provides guidance on how Jews should live

• The Torah contains very important stories and events that influence Jewish faith and practice, including:

  • Stories about the creation of the world

  • The lives of the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob)

  • The Exodus from Egypt

  • The giving of the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai

  • The establishment of Jewish laws

How is the Torah studied in the synagogue?

• When the Torah is read during a synagogue service, one of the congregation members opens the ark, which is also known as the Aron Hakodesh

• The Torah scrolls are taken out from the Aron Hakodesh

• Sections of the Torah are read in the synagogue three times each week

  • Over the course of the year, the whole scroll is read in sequence

• The special portions for the readings are called parshioth and are usually three to five chapters in length

  • The reading is conducted using an ancient tune and is sung rather than spoken

• The Torah scrolls are not directly touched when unfurled on the bimah — instead, a yad is used to protect the Torah

• The reading or chanting is usually performed by a person who has been trained in this task

  • It may be carried out by the rabbi

  • It is a very great honour for a member of the congregation to be asked to attend to a reading during a synagogue service

• When the Torah has been read, it is carefully placed back in the ark

How is the Torah studied in the home?

• The home is a place where Jews often pray and worship 

  • It is a place where values and beliefs are learned and practiced

• The Torah is used as part of that worship in different ways and for different reasons

  • It can be used for family learning and discussion, with parents reading and discussing Torah portions with their children

    • This encourages passing down tradition and applying teachings to daily life

  • Jews may study the weekly portion (parashah) at home before or after it is read in synagogue on Shabbat

  • Study of the Torah at home often includes using the traditional commentaries by rabbis to help understand deeper meanings

  • Some people may study Torah or Talmud daily, alone or in pairs (also called chavruta or partner study)

  • Many people use Jewish study guides, translations and modern tools, such as apps or online videos

  • Studying Torah is itself a mitzvah, so learning at home is seen as an act of worship and devotion

The use of the Torah in different traditions

• The views around the Torah and its uses differ across the Jewish traditions

Orthodox Judaism and the Torah

• Orthodox Jews believe that the Torah is the literal word of G-d, revealed to Moses at Mount Sinai

  • The Torah is read in Hebrew during synagogue services

  • The entire Torah is read aloud over the course of a year (weekly parashot)

  • The study of the Torah is viewed as a mitzvah (commandment) to complete regularly

  • This is part of the strict adherence to all commandments and halakhah (Jewish law)

Reform Judaism and the Torah

• Reform Jews believe that the Torah is inspired by G-d but written by humans, and so may be open to interpretation

  • When used during worship, the Torah is often read in both Hebrew and the local language

  • Reform Judaism is less strict about completing the full yearly cycle than Orthodox Judaism

  • The focus is more on ethical teachings and relevance to modern times

  • Torah study is more likely to be open to wider participation than in the Orthodox tradition, with men and women having equal opportunity

Conservative Jews

• Conservative Jews believe that the Torah is divine but interpreted through tradition

  • Their worship is similar to Orthodox worship, with full but sometimes adapted Hebrew readings

  • Study of the Torah balances traditional methods with modern scholarship

  • It encourages thoughtful engagement with Jewish law and tradition

How and why are the Torah scrolls treated with respect?

• Torah scrolls are treated with great respect because they are considered sacred and central to Jewish belief and practice

• The Torah is the foundation of Jewish law, tradition and values

  • Respecting it reflects the importance of faith, history and continuity

• Many Jews believe that the Torah is the direct word of G-d, revealed to Moses at Mount Sinai

  • Treating the scrolls with respect shows honour for G-d and His teachings

• Torah scrolls are handwritten by a trained scribe (sofer) on kosher parchment, using special ink and writing styles

  • Any damage makes the scroll invalid, showing how sacred it is

  • When carried, the congregation often stands, bows and kisses the scroll with their prayer book or tallit

• The scroll is read using a pointer (yad) to avoid touching it with bare hands, out of reverence and protection