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Why is the Torah so special to Jews?

Akivah

Well-Known Member
We believe the Torah (5 books of Moses) are the most direct communication from G-d. It was either written by G-d or dictated by G-d to Moses. In either case, as G-d's direct writings, they can't be changed, added to , or deleted. Indeed it would be a blasphemy to attempt to change this Torah. Each word, sentence, and mark has meaning. All other writings in Judaism is a commentary to this Torah.

As G-d's direct words, we treat this Torah with the utmost respect. We always face it. When it is standing, we stand. It isn't touched with bare hands. When it becomes worn out, we bury it as a loved one. All of Judaism is love and study of Torah.
 

Brickjectivity

Turned to Stone. Now I stretch daily.
Staff member
Premium Member
My own obervation: Among other things the Torah values the life of the individual in a world that often doesn't. It also helps to deal with the despair that people have about how bad things are in the world. Some of the questions people ask themselves are: What is the best way for all people to live in a world where living seems to require killing? How good can we be? When it is so tiresome and no one else seems to be doing good why should we keep trying to do good? Why not just live for ourselves? How can oppression and evil come to an end? Why should we even try? Rather than answer these questions in words, the Torah opens a path through the proverbial sea of common human despairing questions, so that you can see what it is like on the other side -- how good the world can be. It can make the difference between reaching or not reaching the other side. It requires something of you but in return it helps you not to despair in well doing and gives you confidence that your efforts to do good are not in vain. That is one of its most endearing qualities.
 
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