Why did the Jews follow the Torah?

Answer 1

The Torah and the first five books of The Bible are the same the only difference is that one is in Hebrew and one is in old English. So pretty much you're asking why do people follow the bible.

Answer 2

Because God commanded us to do so (Deuteronomy 30:15-20).

Our tradition is that the Torah was given by God (Exodus 24:12), 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).

Note that the Torah "as is" isn't exactly what Judaism observes. Rather, it's the Torah together with the details provided in the Talmud, which is the Oral Law that was handed down together with the laws of Moses. Otherwise, the verses of the Torah often lack enough detail to be fulfilled as is.

See also:

What are some facts about Torah-scrolls?

What are the key teachings of Judaism?

What is the history of the Hebrew Bible?

Answer 3

Because it is God's command to do so (Deuteronomy 11). Orthodox Jews believe that the Torah must be fully observed (Deuteronomy 13:5). They keep the laws of Judaism as codified in the Shulchan Arukh (Code of Jewish Law), which lists the laws of the Torah and Talmud. Torah-study is seen as very important (Deuteronomy 5:1); and the modern world is seen as subservient to the Torah (Talmud, Nedarim 32a), not the other way around.
Other Jewish groups (Conservative, Reform) are recent. They adapt, curtail or change the Torah-laws in contemporary life, to a greater or lesser degree.
See also the Related Links.

Link: Types of Jews

Link: What is life like for religious Jews

Link: Why do some Jews not keep Jewish laws

Answer 4

bc they can
Answer 2
Because it is God's command to do so (Deuteronomy 11).

Answer 5

We show respect to the Torah because it is from God (Exodus 24:12). See also:

What is the purpose of the Torah?

Answer 6

Because the Torah is the word of God (Exodus 24:12) and is the only thing that makes the Jews unique (Deuteronomy 4:6,8).