What is the Torah?

The Torah is composed of two parts: the Written Law and the Oral Law. The written Torah contains the Five Books of Moses, the Prophets and the Writings. Together with the Written Torah, Moses was also given the Oral Law, which explains and clarifies the Written Law. It was transmitted orally from generation to generation and eventually transcribed in the Mishna, Talmud and Midrash.

The word "Torah" means instruction or guide. The Torah guides our every step and move through its 613 "mitzvot." The word "mitzvah" means both commandment and connection. Through the study of Torah and fulfillment of mitzvot we connect ourselves and our environment to G‑d. G‑d's purpose in creating the world is that we sanctify all of creation, imbuing it with holiness and spirituality.

On the holiday of Shavuot, the entire Jewish nation heard from G‑d the Ten Commandments. The next day Moses went up to Mount Sinai where he was taught by G‑d the rest of the Torah -- both the Written and Oral Laws -- which he then transmitted to the entire nation.

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