What is the basic message of the Torah?

Answer 1

In the Talmud, (Shabbat 31a), the following story is told about the leading rabbi of his time, Hillel (who died in around 10CE) in which he answers this question:

On another occasion it happened that a certain heathen came before Shammai and said to him, 'Make me a proselyte, on condition that you teach me the whole Torah while I stand on one foot.' Thereupon he repulsed him with the builder's cubit which was in his hand. [Rashi explains: a cubit to measure off the amount of work done by a builder.] When he went before Hillel, he said to him, 'What is hateful to you, do not to your neighbour: that is the whole Torah, while the rest is the commentary thereof; go and learn it.' [Soncino translation]

Hillel's answer was a paraphrase of the Golden Rule, which appeared first in the Jewish scriptures (Leviticus 19:18), Love your neighbour as yourself.

Answer 2

The Torah (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) is the story of the origins of humanity, the discovery of the one God, the history of the origin of the Jewish people, and the story of the basic laws of civilization -- the ten commandments. Most people would probably say the ethical principles of the ten commandments and the idea that God and humanity have a "contract" are the most fundamental ideas.

Answer

The Torah was summed up by one of Judaism's greatest sages, Hillel:

"That which is hateful to you, do not do to others, the rest is commentary. Now go read the commentary."

Answer 3

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 4

The basic message of the Torah is that this world is a purposeful creation by God, in which all people are tested concerning their use of free-will. Humans possess a soul which lives on after the body dies and is held responsible for the person's actions. Anyone who is worthy, Jewish or not, can merit reward in the afterlife.

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• Link: The Creation

Answer 5

God's relationship with the Israelites.