How is the Torah used?

Answer 1

Torah scrolls themselves are not usually found in the home. Printed copies of the Torah text, among other Jewish books, can and should be in the home. The Torah-text , like other Jewish books, is used for study and inspiration.

Answer 2

Jewish people read and study the Torah. A different portion is read in synagogues every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday.

Books are written about it. It is the basis of all Jewish law many traditions and customs. It is the lifeblood of the Jewish people, even for those Jews who do not take its words literally.

It is the symbol of the Jewish people.

Answer 3

The Torah is used by the Jews as it is a part of their belief to connect with God. It is read in the synagogue services several times each week.

It is used to connect with God and learn His laws and teachings. This makes Jews feel that God is around them and listening to their prayers.

Answer 4

The Torah scroll is read from in the synagogue because it is God's gift to the Jewish people and the reading of the Torah goes all the way back to the time of Moses 3300 years ago.

Our tradition is that the Torah is from God (Exodus 24:12), given to us to provide knowledge, guidance, inspiration, awe and reverence, advice, law, comfort, history and more. It is the basis of Judaism.

The Torah is a source of national pride for us (see Deuteronomy 4:6-8).

It increases our reverence towards God; crystallizes, strengthens and codifies our beliefs; insures our awareness and knowledge of our history; and provides powerful impetus to be ethical.

It makes us stand in awe of God, while also providing optimism and comfort through the prophecies of redemption. It inspires us to strive for holiness and informs us how to pray and to approach God's presence.

It gives us a great deal of general information, guidance and advice.

And it sets detailed laws, practices and traditions for us.

The laws themselves have various reasons. Some (such as the Passover) serve to reenact or remember events of our history.

Some (such as saying the Shema prayer) serve to reiterate our belief in God.

Some of the laws (such as those of ritual purity and kosher food) serve to sanctify us.

Some (such as the laws of torts) serve to maintain an orderly society.

Some (such as the law against breaking a vow) serve to prevent bad character traits.

Some (such as the command to offer help) serve to engender good character traits.

And all of the commands serve to subjugate us to God's will (especially those commands for which no explanation is easily apparent).

Answer 5

The Torah is the backbone of Judaism. The core guidelines for how Jews should live their lives are in the Torah. The Torah is studied and every day a portion, called a 'parsha', is read.

Answer 6

It is read from several times a week, with a special chant ("trope").

Answer 7

It is read from in the synagogue.