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Torah

The Torah is the central body of Jewish sacred teaching.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Torah is the central body of Jewish sacred teaching. In its narrow sense, it refers to the first five books of the Hebrew Bible—Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy—also called the Pentateuch or the Five Books of Moses. In broader Jewish usage, it can also refer to divine teaching, the Written Torah, and the Oral Torah.

Meaning and usage

Torah is a Hebrew term commonly translated as teaching, instruction, or law. Its meaning varies by context, ranging from the five books of Moses to the full body of Jewish religious teaching.

The Five Books of Moses

In its most common narrow sense, Torah refers to Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. These books are also known as the Pentateuch and are treated as foundational texts in Judaism.

Written Torah and Oral Torah

Rabbinic tradition distinguishes between the Written Torah and the Oral Torah. The Oral Torah is associated with later interpretive tradition, including works such as the Mishnah and the Talmud.

Role in Judaism

The Torah is central to Jewish belief, law, and practice. It is publicly read in synagogues as part of a yearly cycle and is regarded as the core sacred text of Judaism.

Key facts

  • The term Torah means instruction or teaching.
  • In the narrow sense, Torah refers to the first five books of the Hebrew Bible.
  • These five books are Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
  • In rabbinic Judaism, Torah can also include the Oral Torah as well as the Written Torah.
  • Torah is central to Jewish religious life and synagogue worship.
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Canadian context

Torah is foundational to Jewish communities in Canada and is central to synagogue worship, religious education, and Jewish cultural life across the country.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Torah?
The Torah is the central sacred teaching of Judaism and, in its narrow sense, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible.
Which books are in the Torah?
Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
Is the Torah the same as the Bible?
Not exactly. In Judaism, Torah usually means the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, though it can also refer more broadly to the whole Hebrew Bible or Jewish teaching.
What does Torah mean?
It is commonly understood as instruction, teaching, or law.
What is the Oral Torah?
In rabbinic Judaism, the Oral Torah is the interpretive tradition believed to accompany the Written Torah and is reflected in texts such as the Mishnah and Talmud.

References

  1. Jewish Encyclopedia — https://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/14446-torah
    Supports: Identifies Torah as the name applied to the five books of Moses.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Torah
    Supports: Defines Torah in Judaism, lists the five books, and explains broader and oral-law usage.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torah
    Supports: Provides the Hebrew meaning, the five books, and rabbinic distinctions between Written and Oral Torah.
  4. Encyclopedia of the Bible — https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/encyclopedia-of-the-bible/Torah
    Supports: States Torah usually refers to the Pentateuch and notes written and oral law usage.
  5. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/arts/culture-magazines/torah
    Supports: Explains the Torah as the first section of the Hebrew Bible and its liturgical reading cycle.
  6. Britannica Dictionary — https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/Torah
    Supports: Defines Torah as Jewish sacred wisdom and law and as the first five books used in synagogue services.