What is Torah?

How many times have we had the experience of sitting under a great Bible teacher and listening to him or her expound on what they called "the Law," only to hear them joyfully announce something like, "We are not under the Law, we have been set free from it!" Or, if not that, perhaps they have declared, "God gave the Law so that we would discover how sinful we are. Now that we are in Messiah, we don't have to try to obey it any longer!"

Understanding the meaning of the word "Torah"

While the Hebrew word torah is translated “law” in most of our English Bibles, that is an unfortunate rendering. For example, when we read “law” in Paul’s letters, we need to consider the religious and historical context in which he was writing. Most of the time, he does not mean “law” in the modern understanding of the word.

The word "Torah" (תורה) is from the Hebrew root, yara (ירה) which means “to shoot,” such as shooting an arrow in order to hit a target. The emphasis of yara is on “hitting the mark.” Thus, Torah is teaching that “hits the mark” concerning God and His righteousness. Although it does contain laws, Torah itself is not “law,” but “teaching” or “instruction.”

It is important to know this correct definition. Because if we think of the word “Torah” as meaning “law,” eventually, we will get the impression that the Torah is opposed to grace. This is because Paul seemingly states that one is either under law or under grace. However, by correctly defining Torah as “teaching or instruction,” we will see that the Torah is not opposed to grace, but rather complements grace.

Understanding traditional uses of the word "Torah"

It is important to know that "Torah" has come to be used in several different ways in traditional Jewish thinking. You need to understand these various uses of Torah so that you do not become confused when engaged in discussion with Jewish scholars on the subject. We will start with the broader uses and go to the narrower ones.

• All authoritative teachings of the rabbis
• All Jewish law, as recorded in both the Bible and the Talmud (a compendium of oral Torah)
• The Tanakh (the complete "Old Testament")
• The first five books of the Bible: Genesis to Deuteronomy (also called the Chumash)
• The covenant which God gave to Moshe (Moses) on Mount Sinai (because it contains individual teachings, or "torahs")
• Any teaching of the first five books of the Bible

In rabbinic Jewish thinking there are two Torahs: written and oral. When the rabbis speak in these terms, they usually define the written Torah as the Chumash (Pentateuch, or first five books of the Bible). Moses wrote this Torah as he received it from God on Mount Sinai.

On the other hand, orthodox rabbis claim that the oral Torah was also received by Moses from God on Mount Sinai, and carries as much authority. However, this Torah was passed down through the centuries by word of mouth rather than the written word. Eventually this oral material was written down, beginning around the year 200 CE, under the authority of Rabbi Yehuda haNasi. Furthermore, many additions have been made to the oral Torah. By virtue of the teaching found in Deuteronomy 17:8–13 (according to rabbinic interpretation), they are authoritative having originated on Mount Sinai. The capstone of the written oral Torah is the Talmud, which consists of the Mishnah of Rabbi Yehuda haNasi and its authoritative commentary, the Gemarah.

While there is undeniable value in reading and studying the Talmud and other rabbinic writings, we hold the position that the oral Torah is not the spiritual authority for believers in Messiah.

Our use of the word "Torah"

First Fruits of Zion uses the word "Torah" in three basic ways: to refer to the first five books of the Bible, all of which we assert are from the mouth of God and written with perfect accuracy by the hand of Moses; in reference to the specific teachings within the five books of Moses; and, on occasion, as a synonym for the whole of the Scriptures, the teachings on the truth and righteousness of God for the holy community.

Having said all of that, for the most part, we use the word "Torah" to mean the first five books of the Bible. However, there are occasions when it is used to refer to all of God's teachings. Unless we specify, we never use it in to refer to rabbinic teaching. It is our hope to demonstrate that the non-Jewish believer in Yeshua possesses a significant relationship both to the Remnant of Israel and to the Torah.

Finally

As the world continues to grope in the darkness, men and women from all walks of faith are heeding this call of the Spirit to return to the pure faith established thousands of years ago. Far from being some new, innovative fad, this is a faith unadulterated by the traditions of man. It is like pure, fresh water from an ancient spring. In the Messianic Torah Faith, Jew and Gentile can worship together as one; an authentic biblical expression of faith, just as recorded in the Book of Acts, now put into practice in the 21st century.

If you are one of the many believers who are hearing this Divine Call and are longing for the “old way,” the way in which Yeshua (Jesus) of Nazareth walked, we are pleased to offer you a gateway to Torah. A unique opportunity is presented for you to study the Bible in depth.

Introductory Info

• Introduction Flash movie
• Torah Club White Paper
• Color PDF Brochure

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