The Torah scroll is hand-written in an embellished Hebrew script, as a single continuous
text for each of the five books, without vowels, punctuation, chapter or verse divisions, etc.
A proper rendition of the formal reading, during any community service attended by ten
or more adult Jewish males, requires the presentation of not only the correct vowels,
punctuation, and verse divisions, but also in the proper 'chant' ... an ancient system
of vocal melody and phrasing, which is also not written in the scroll.
In preparation for reading the Torah during a future service, the assigned reader must
study the portion that he'll be reading, in a book specially prepared for the purpose.
On each page of that reader's study guide, there is a replica of a column of text as it
appears in the Torah scroll, and immediately beside it, a copy of the same text that
includes the vowels, punctuation, musical notations, etc. The preparation is a process
of working between the two versions of the text, phrase by phrase and verse-by-verse,
until the reader can present the portion properly, referring only to the version in the
Torah scroll, but confidently and accurately delivering all of the details that don't
appear there.
The Torah is read with what is called trope or cantillation. This is a singing chant which is done according to a system of small diacritical marks under or over the words (in addition to the vowel markings). The way of singing differs between the various Jewish communities (Yemenite, Moroccan, etc.). The best way to get an idea of what this sounds like is to attend a service or to ask any knowledgeable Jew to demonstrate a couple of verses.
In order to read Hebrew: 1). You look at the letters on the printed page in sequence, moving from right to left along the line, and then from top to bottom on the page. Each printed letter is generally a consonant, and the vowels ... if they are printed at all ... appear as lines or dots directly under the letters. From these you make sounds, either audibly or in your mind. 2). When you come to a wide space between letters, you stop briefly, and make a 'word' out of the sounds you have saved up since the last wide space. 3). In this way, you collect a series of words, from which you extract the thoughts, instructions, comments, or facts placed there by the writer of the words. 4). You then have the choice to ignore them, think about them, obey them, sing them, tell them to others, write a response, etc.
The Torah is read from in the synagogue. It and other religious Jewish texts are studied privately in the home and taught in Yeshivos and Torah-classes.
A yad
When Jews read the Torah, they use a pointer called a "yad" because they're not allow to touch the Torah with their hands.
They use the yad which is a look pointer
Uhh... you read it, and obey what God commanded in it.
The Torah is read in synagogues across the world
The Torah-scroll itself is read in the synagogue. Printed copies of the Torah are studied (along with other texts such as commentaries) in synagogues, yeshivas, and homes. The Torah is studied for its intrinsic value; and for knowledge, inspiration, and reverence.
The platform where the Torah is read from is referred to as the "Bimah."
The Torah is read.
For those who are not fluent in Hebrew, it is hard to read the Torah as the Torah scroll does not have nikkudot (pronunciation indicators).
they read the Torah
A Torah scroll, a Tanakh, a book with the Torah in it...! There are countless possibilities!
The Torah has supreme holiness and should not be touched by hand. However, it is read publicly and individuals are called up to the Torah to chant the blessings said before and after the reading of each section. In order that the person can follow the reading the reader uses a Yad or pointer to show the individual the place as the Torah is being read.
The Torah, when read in the synagogue, is always read from a Torah-scroll. The Prophets are often read from printed volumes, but ideally are read from scrolls. When studying privately, only printed volumes are used.See also:More about Torah-scrolls