Torah Judaism is a type of Jewish practice that is based on the core values of the Five Books of Moses, and can be considered the most traditional and oldest form of Judaism. Torah refers to the written law of God, which is contained in the five books of Moses, referred to as the Written Torah. The Written Torah is regarded as the literal, authoritative word of God and the basis of all Jewish living. This includes beliefs, laws, and customs, which have developed over time and been handed down from generation to generation.
At the heart of Torah Judaism is the belief that every observant Jew is equally responsible for reading, studying, and understanding the Written Torah. This mode of study is called lomdus, which is a method whereby a student of the Torah works with a text to find its deeper, more esoteric meaning. Another major focus of Torah Judaism is the importance of studying Talmud. The Talmud is an important collection of texts that contain the rabbinical commentaries on thousands of years of Jewish Law, discourse, and tradition. As such, it provides the legal and practical guidelines by which a Torah Jew can live.
In addition to the study and observance of religious texts, a Torah Jew must adhere to a set of 613 commandments that are found in the Talmud. It is these commandments, or mitzvot, that guide a Jew’s daily life, including matters such as taking care of one’s health, how to treat others, and how to practice charity and justice. Observant Torah Jews will spend much of their time striving to live according to these principles.
One of the most important traditions within Judaism is the adherence to a kosher lifestyle. Kosher includes what can and cannot be eaten, how food can be prepared and handled, and the laws of blessing food before and after it is eaten. Torah Jews must observe the laws of kashrut, which include prohibitions on certain types of food, such as eating pork, shellfish, and mixtures of milk and meat. Furthermore, many life cycle events, such as birth, marriage, and death, are significant moments in Torah Judaism, and are observed in their own prescribed manner.
Torah Judaism also emphasizes the giving of charity, referred to as tzedakah. This practice is outlined in the Hebrew Bible and involves giving 10 percent of a Jew’s income to charity. For many Torah Jews, charity is a primary way to observe the mitzvot and serve the community. Moreover, many religious institutions are supported by tzedakah, including hospitals, synagogues, schools, and other charitable organizations.
As a way of life, Torah Judaism is both deeply meaningful and deeply personal. The customs and laws that govern it have been established for centuries and are believed to be an eternal covenant between God and the Jewish people. It is through the observance of the laws of Torah that Jews are able to express their faith and dedication to their spiritual practice.
The Significance of Community
Torah Judaism places great importance on being part of a community. For many Torah Jews, the synagogue is a key place for worship and prayer, as well as for social events and activities. Community is seen as necessary in order to uphold the mitzvot. As such, farbrengens (study and prayer gatherings) are regularly held in synagogues, where Torah Jews gather to study the Written Torah and connect with God. Furthermore, part of the observance of Torah involves study groups, which are commonly formed in order to deepen a Torah Jew’s understanding of the Written and Oral Torah.
Torah Jews also observe the tenets of Judaism in a communal context. Fasts, holidays, and other religious ceremonies and celebrations are important events on a Torah Jew’s calendar. These events often involve the entire community and are celebrated with meals, special prayers, and activities. In addition, community members often help and support one another with regard to employment, financial matters, and other aspects of daily life.
Connecting With the Past and Future
In the Torah, the Jewish people are referred to as “the children of Israel,” implying that there is a link between the past, present, and future of Judaism. This link is essential in understanding the spiritual meaning of being a Torah Jew. Every observant Jew has the responsibility of living a life of meaning and purpose, setting an example for the generations to come. As such, Torah Jews strive to uphold the mitzvot and serve as a living testament to the values set forth in the Torah.
Torah Judaism also emphasizes the continuity of Jewish teachings, providing an important link between the past and future of Jewish life. Therefore, the observance of Torah is the primary way for a Jew to remain connected to their past and keep the traditions alive for future generations. Consequently, torah study and the observance of mitzvot are essential components of living a Torah life.
The Importance of Self-Improvement
In addition to strengthening one’s spiritual connection to God and the community, another key goal of Torah Judaism is to improve oneself. Torah Jews strive to cultivate and maintain spiritual, mental, and physical health. The practice of Judaism engenders an attitude of self-improvement, which is seen as an act of holiness and faith. Therefore, the mitzvot are not only religious mandates, but also spiritual challenges to constantly improve one’s life and become holier. As such, striving to improve oneself is an important part of living a Torah life.
Self-improvement within Judaism is a process that begins with the study of the Written and Oral Torah. This includes learning about the mitzvot and becoming familiar with Jewish customs and beliefs. In addition, Torah Jews are encouraged to take responsibility for their own lives and engage in self-reflection. To this end, Torah Jews are encouraged to be mindful of their words and actions, and strive to live with integrity and kindness.
Torah Jews also strive to cultivate a deep prayer life. Prayer is seen as an opportunity to connect with God and the Jewish people. Additionally, Torah Jews are encouraged to take time each day for reflection and meditation. By engaging in prayer and reflection, Torah Jews can gain a deeper spiritual understanding and insight.
The Power of Kindness
One of the most important values taught in Torah Judaism is kindness. Torah Jews are encouraged to practice kindness to their fellow man, and to be mindful of the consequences of their actions. The Talmud states that “he who seeks the honorable desires kindness” (Avot 6:9), implying that it is not enough to simply be kind; one must actively strive to express kindness wherever possible. Additionally, Torah Jews are taught that kindness is the foundation of a holy nation.
Within the Talmud, there are 20 different categories of kindness that are recommended to cultivate. These include acts of charity and benevolence, educating the uneducated, offering friendly advice and counsel, providing help to those in need, providing support for the bereaved, honoring parents and grandparents, and much more. All of these acts are seen as ways in which a Torah Jew can express kindness, thereby fulfilling God’s commandments.
The practice of kindness also entails being mindful of one’s words. Torah Jews are taught to be mindful of the power of words and their ability to influence and inspire. Prayers, blessings, and words of comfort are all seen as acts of kindness that are essential for creating a holy nation. Furthermore, the practice of kindness must be extended to those outside of one’s own Jewish community, implying that it is the responsibility of all Torah Jews to be kind to both Jews and Gentiles alike.
The Spirituality of Everyday Life
One of the unique aspects of Torah Judaism is its emphasis on the spiritual significance of everyday life. Torah Jews are encouraged to find holiness in their mundane tasks, connecting them to the spiritual teachings of the Torah. This includes activities such as eating and drinking, working, and caring for family. As such, a Torah Jew strives to make these activities into expressions of faith and devotion.
Similarly, Torah Judaism emphasizes the importance of gratitude. God is seen as the ultimate source of all good things, and it is through His grace that one can experience joy and appreciation. As such, Torah Jews strive to cultivate a sense of thankfulness in their daily lives. This can be expressed in several ways, such as the practice of blessing food and the recitation of special blessings for different occasions.
Living a life of holiness is an important aspect of Torah Judaism. To this end, Torah Jews are encouraged to practice self-restraint, honesty, humility, and respect in their daily lives, and to be mindful of the impact their words and actions can have on others. Through the observance of these mitzvot and teachings, Torah Jews can connect to the spiritual path of Torah, leading to a life of meaning and fulfillment.
Contributing to the World
Finally, one of the key tenets of Torah Judaism is the idea of contributing to the world in a positive way. Torah Jews are taught to be conscious of their place in the world and strive to make a difference wherever they find a need. This includes giving back to the community, either through charitable donations, volunteer work, or other acts of kindness.
Moreover, Torah Jews are encouraged to be a source of light and inspiration to others, setting an example for all. Each person is seen as a vessel for the divine and is seen as a part of the greater spiritual movement of Torah. Through the observance of Torah, a person can become a blessing to the world, bringing holiness into the mundane and connecting to the divine.
Torah Judaism is a way of life that is meaningful and fulfilling. Through the observance of mitzvot and the study of the Torah, a Torah Jew can connect to their past, to their people, and to the divine. By living a life of holiness and acts of kindness, a Torah Jew can shine a light on the world, making a positive difference and setting an example for all.
