
The Torah
The Torah (Hebrew: "teaching" or "law") is the foundational text of Judaism, comprising the five books of Moses: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. It is also known as the Pentateuch or the Hebrew Bible's first five books. Read all five books free on Religions.app with parallel passages from the Bible and other world religions.
The Five Books of Moses
Each book contains teachings, laws, and narratives central to Jewish tradition and practice.
What is the Torah?
The Torah is the most sacred text in Judaism and the core of the Hebrew Bible. It consists of five books written in Hebrew, traditionally attributed to Moses, and forms the basis of Jewish law, ethics, and theology.
The five books are Genesis (Bereishit), which covers creation and the patriarchs; Exodus (Shemot), the liberation from Egypt; Leviticus (Vayikra), priestly laws and sacrifices; Numbers (Bamidbar), the wilderness journey; and Deuteronomy (Devarim), Moses' final teachings and the law.
The Torah contains 613 commandments and is read cyclically in synagogues throughout the year. It is fundamental to Jewish practice, theology, and identity, providing guidance on worship, ethics, and how to live according to God's covenant with the Jewish people.
Compare with Other Sacred Texts
Explore parallels between the Torah and texts from other traditions. Discover shared wisdom on law, covenant, and spiritual practice.
View ComparisonsFrequently Asked Questions
What is the Torah?
The Torah is the first five books of the Hebrew Bible and the most sacred text in Judaism. It contains the laws, teachings, and narratives that form the foundation of Jewish faith and practice.
How many books are in the Torah?
The Torah consists of five books: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. These five books are also called the Pentateuch or the Five Books of Moses.
Is the Torah the same as the Old Testament?
The Torah is the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, while the Old Testament includes the Torah plus additional books of history, wisdom, and prophecy. The Torah is foundational to Judaism, while the Old Testament is part of Christian scripture.