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Torah

Torah questions and answers

Find more information on the Torah @ The Adherents Religion Website.

Q: Torah - ????
Ok, so i know that the bible is made up of the old testament and new testament, the former of which i think is also in the torah. However, whenever i see the torah it always seems so long. Is it made up of anything else too?

A: In fact the Torah is considerably shorter than what you call the Old Testament (but Jews just call the Bible, or Tanakh). The Torah is just the five books of Moses - Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. In addition to this, the Tanakh is composed of the prophets (Neviim), plus various other books known collectively as the Writings (Ketuvim).

Q: How is the Torah different from the books in the OT for the Catholics?
What books are in the Torah? And does Judaism have any other books that they read from that is believed to be God inspired?

A: The Torah is the actual holy text for us; it's the scroll we read in Synagogue and for us, it is the direct word of G-d. The OT is alas often a real mistranslation and wrongly organised version of the collected Jewish scriptures, the TANAKH. Tanakh = Torah, Prophets, Writings Some versions of the OT are very good and recently, some have been altered to bring them into line with the original Hebrew of the Tanakh. Others are very poor and full of errors, alas. Alongside the Tanakh, we have the Talmud, or 'oral Torah'. This too was given by G-d to Moses at Mt Sinai, before a huge crowd of Israelites, all of whom heard the voice of G-d. The Talmud consists of many volumes, and it is full of debates, discussions, folklore, humour, proverbs, and rulings; the Talmud illuminates and elaborates on the written Torah. Hope this helps a bit :) http://www.ajewwithaview.com edit to 'monkeyballs' Mazeltov on giving the most ignorant answer so far.

Q: What is the difference between Niddah, Tumah, & Taharah in the Torah? Do they apply today in the same ways?
I am new to these terms and find it difficult to distinguish them properly. Also, are the terms used today in the same way that they were originally observed in response to the Torah? I also asked the question about the Mikvah, so any connections you can draw between Mikvah and these terms, I would be most appreciative. Thank you for any assistance.

A: Niddah generally refers to the laws relating to the monthly menstrual cycle of the woman. (See Talmud Masechat Niddah). However it can be used in other areas for seperation. Purification from Niddah requires the following steps. first to wait for the blood to finish flowing (minimum of fice days). Followed by seven clean days on which there is no blood flow. The final step is immersion in the mikveh. A similar process applies to a man who has an emission from the penis (not normal ejaculate but that form various infections or diseases) Tummah is a more general term for impurity and applies to both people and vessels. Removal of Tumah varies as there are different degrees of Tumah. The primary tumah generally needs immersion in a mikveh (both for people and vessels). Secondary Tumah (and in the case of Kohanim and certain types of Tumah) it can vary from immersion to washing the hands. The most severe form of Tumah is that of a dead body. This form of Tumah can only be removed using the ashes of a red heffer- which since we do not have it, cannot be done. (And why the appearance of a red heffer is essential in the time of Mashiach- nowadays we are all considered to be in a state of Tumat Meit (impurity from the dead) and no one will be able to enter the temple until such time as the red heffer is sacrificed. Taharah is merely the term for purity- this is the default state and what you end up as after yu have removed any Tumah from your self

Q: What does the written Torah prohibit in sexuality?
The Torah is vague about sex acts that are permissible. Sodomy is prohibited and it can be dangerous but what about oral sex? And for example, if a man finds it difficult to bring his wife to orgasm, can he masturbate her? Do you have any sources that can be helpful?

A: You're asking two contradictory questions. The "written Torah" has laws against male anal sex, bestiality, adultery, "spilling seed," and various laws against forbidden relationships (mostly incestuous). There are also time restrictions when it is prohibited (such as during a woman's menstrual cycle and the week following). But as you say, the "written Torah" does not give a complete master list. So there's no way to answer your specific questions based entirely on the as-written Torah text. But the oral Torah (the Mishnah, a part of the Talmud), and Jewish rabbinic tradition, expanded on the interpretation of the laws. So for example, the prohibition against spilling seed was understood to include male masturbation and oral sex on a man to completion, and some include anal sex with a woman in this prohibition as well (as the reason it is considered wrong to waste sperm was related to procreation - so anywhere you put it that can't possibly lead to a child is therefore also a problem. For this reason Orthodox Judaism also prohibits condom use, except when a rare exception needs to be made for health reasons). Lesbianism is also briefly mentioned in the Talmud as prohibited, though more because of its relationship to goddess-worship than as a purely sexual thing. Having said all that, within the confines of marriage, which is considered holy in Judaism, anything that is not specifically prohibited, is permitted. In addition, a woman's sexual pleasure is considered important enough that one major rabbi declared that if something is necessary to make the woman happy, it is permitted (I believe this was in reference to anal or oral sex on the woman - it was one of the borderline acts if I recall correctly). So your example of a man masturbating his wife to help her to orgasm is absolutely okay. On the other hand, if the act is simply to bring the man pleasure and the wife is not interested or it would interfere with her pleasure, it is not permitted. In this day and age, when there seems to be a larger menu of culturally acceptable sexual acts, religious Jews would need to check with their rabbi as to what falls under the permitted and prohibited lists. Different rabbis have different interpretations of the basic laws, and some are more lenient than others, though I don't believe that there is a huge scale of variation between them on average. There was a book that came out a few years ago called "Kosher Sex," which was written for a mass market (not a scholarly book, plus it was by Rabbu Shmuely Boteach (Michael Jackson's pal) so take it with a grain of salt) that detailed most of the Jewish sexual laws and how they are applied today. I didn't read it, so I can't answer to how definitive you could consider it, but as far as I know it was essentially accurate. I'm not sure whether you're asking simply for informational purposes, or whether you are looking for answers in your own life - but if it's the latter, I can't stress enough that when it comes to matters of Jewish law that affect you personally, it's better to find a rabbi whose opinions and worldview you trust, and ask them. Some issues are too important to a person's happiness to leave to the opinions of random people on the internet, and there are many understanding and knowledgable rabbis out there who are able to mesh Jewish law with a knowledge of human needs, and can help get to an answer that is both halachic (permitted by Jewish law) and in keeping with what you are hoping to achieve.

Q: What is the difference between the Torah and the Code of Hammurabi?
Compare and contrast the Torah and the Code of Hammurabi.

A: The most significant difference between the Torah and the Code is how they came into existence. Hammurabi, who was appointed King by the Gods, wrote the Code as law. The Torah is actually written as the word of God. In the Torah, the verse "And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe" (Exodus 21:23-25) is similar to "If a man has destroyed the eye of another free man, his own eye shall be destroyed. If he has broken the bone of a free man, his bone shall be broken" (Hammurabi, 196-197:15). Although similar in appearance, the verse from the Torah is the word of God and the laws from Hammurabi are the words of a man. To break a law from the Torah is to directly disobey a command from God. The Code also has different punishments depending on the class of the person committing the crime. "If a man has knocked out the teeth of a man of the same rank, his own teeth shall be knocked out. If he has knocked out the teeth of a peasant, he shall pay one-third of a mina of silver" (Hammurabi, 200-201:15). The Torah, on the other hand, has the same punishment regardless of class. "And if a man cause a blemish in his neighbour; as he hath done, so shall it be done to him; breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; as he hath caused a blemish in a man, so shall it be done to him again. And he that killeth a beast, he shall restore it: and he that killeth a man, he shall be put to death" (Leviticus 24:19-21). The word "slave" appears many times in both.

Q: What is Torah and Tefillah in a Jewish Temple?
As a requirement for my World Religions class, we are to visit a religious service that is not of our own, for example, a Catholic cannot attend any Christian church. I'm looking on the calendar of a nearby synagog and it says Torah & Tefillah 9:00AM. I was assuming that is a service that I can attend. Is it?

A: Torah translates as "teachings," or "law," and refers to the books Bereishit (Genesis), Shemot (Exodus), Vayikra (Numbers), Bamidbar (Leviticus), and Devarim (Deuteronomy.) Jews treat the Torah with tremendous respect, keeping it in a special ark, clothing it in rich coverings with crowns, always standing when the ark is open or when the Torah is outside the ark, but not yet on the table. While most people will have a printed version to read from during prayers, the Torah SCROLLS are written out in quill and ink onto vellum by scribes (calligraphers). Tefillin are the boxes that Jewish men ritually strap onto their arms and forehead. They contain writing from the Torah. It fulfills the mitzvah, "You shall bind them [the commandments] onto your arm, and place them as tefillin upon your forehead."

Q: Connection between the Torah and the Ten Commandments?
Hi, i'm doing an essay on Judaism for school and my teacher mentioned something about the Torah and the Ten Commandments being connected... how are they connected?

A: The Ten Commandments COME from the Torah. The Torah is the first five books of the "old testament".

Q: Would it be weird for a girl with a hijab to ask for a Torah in a public library?
I really want to read it, and study the prophecies of the Messiah, etc. By the way is it just the Talmud and the Torah? And can I find them in any library or do I get them from a Synagogue?

A: I'm not sure if you can get them in the library. But wearing a hijab shouldn't make any difference. It should be obvious that you want to learn. Personally, if I was the library employee I wouldn't give it a second thought. I would just see a woman looking for a certain item, not "a woman in a hijab".

Q: Where can I get a Torah written half in Arabic and the other in Hebrew?
My Arab friend wants a Torah in Arabic but I can't find one.If so where can I find one.Is there a store where I can buy it or where in the internet can I search for it?

A: A Torah is only written in Hebrew. They are handwritten and cost tens of thousands of dollars. If you're looking for a Chumash (the five books of the Torah in book form), they can be found in translation in any country that has Jews that speak the language you're looking for. The problem with finding an Arabic translation is, because it is a Jewish holy book, most Muslim governments do not allow its publication - in any language. And there are not that many Arabic-speaking Jewish communities left in the world - most of them were forced to move to the US, France, and Israel after being persecuted in their home countries as an aftermath of the establishment of Israel in 1948. The great Middle Eastern Jewish rabbi and sage Saadya Gaon did a translation into Arabic that is still studied by Middle Eastern Jews today. I did some Googling and was unable to find a copy for sale, but that might be the best place for your friend to start.

Q: Torah awarded to Label A Katz by Golda Meir in Jerusalem May 1965. What is it worth?
Label A Katz was President of International Bnai Brith 1959-1965. Golda Meir was a good friend of Label and awarded him with a Torah, Pointer, Silver Case. I would like to know what the value of this gift is worth.

A: The Torah is the first 5 books of the Old T estament aka. the books of Moses, Pentateuch. It is worth all for it is the Holy word of GOD.

Q: If Torah, Injeel and the Quran were holy books from God how come only the Quran received his protection?
Muslims claim that the Bible and the Torah and corrupted but Quran has been somehow preserved and protected by God. If all the previous messages were also from God then how come only Quran was protected?

A: The following verses differ between the Warsh (popular in Africa) and the Hafs versions (popular in Middle East) of the Quran: 1:4, 2:9, 2:214, 2:125, 2:132, 2:139, 2:140, 2:184, 2:214, 2:259, 3:81, 3:133, 3:146, 5:54, 6:96, 7:57, 9:37, 28:48 & 91:15. Please note that even the verse numbers differ. Example: 2:140 in Hafs is 2:139 in Warsh. One of the oldest copies of the Quran is the Samarkand Codex. Verses 2:15, 2:57, 2:284, 5:99, 6:11, 7:27, 7:69, 18:83, 19:72, 20:3, 20:79, 20:108, 36:20-21 and 38:26 differ between this ancient manuscript and the Quran used today. See http://www.answering-islam.org/PQ/ch9a-index.html for many more examples. Also see: www.youtube.com/watch?v=-x1JsyFrpKg for “shocking” evidence that the Quran is not as unchanged or universal as it claims to be.

Q: Where in South Africa can you get a copy of the Quran and the Torah?
Where in South Africa can one get a copy of the Islamic book the Quran (or is it spelled Kuran?) and the Jewish book the Torah? I as a Christian want to read both for interest sake. Ag man Slipper, I have never defiled any book I just want to read both books but have never seen one before in a shop.

A: I do not know if you can buy the Torah. Is theTorah the scrolls they use in the Synagoge. Do not know about the Quran. Strange nobody notice you asking a question like that with a name like that.

Q: Why is the Old Testament not identical to the Jewish Torah?
I genuinely thought they were one and the same. What changes were made, by whom and why? I thought that Jesus was a Jew by birth and religion so I'm sure that he would not have changed the Torah.

A: The OT is a Xian text. It was REorganised by the Church, so the material is not presented in the same way as in the Tanakh. Some versions of the OT are very reliable. Some are not remotely reliable. Actually several have recently been revised, to bring them into line with the original Hebrew of the Tanakh. And yes, as a Jew, Jesus would have known and studied the Tanakh. There WAS no 'OT' until much later - when the Church produced it! If you'd like to see specific differences in the texts, go to the 'scriptures' section here: http://www.ajewwithaview.com re THE SEPTUAGINT Only the Torah part of this was translated by Jews. The rest, including Prophets, was translated totally by NON Jews. So it's no wonder it matches Xian versions of the OT! And eventually, the entire Septuagint was revised by the Church. Today it is a purely Xian text, and it hasn't had any link to Judaism for a long, long time. http://www.outreachjudaism.org/

Q: According to the Torah, who exactly are the non-Jews "qualified" to live in Israel?
I once saw a religious settler say that there are certain groups allowed to live in Israel according to the Torah, but the Arabs are not and "they need to get the hell out"! So, according to the Torah, or these peoples' interpretation of it, who exactly is qualified to live in a theologically correct Israel? Actual references to Torah passages would be appreciated! Thank you! Mr. X- Thank you, I realize that, but I am asking about these people and their beliefs. I'd like to know exactly what they believe. Shay P- Interesting post, but why not tell me what it is exactly that you believe? jas- Thank you, and yes, I REALLY wanted to know. Mr X-You are right that it is primarily a religious question and could very well have been asked in the R & S section. I chose to put it here because I think this is the place where I will find the most people who are familiar with not only Judaism generally, but with religious ideologies as understood IN ISRAEL, by these settlers. Besides, I like you guys more :) Ivri- To quote a few Qur’anic verses and sayings of Prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him] with regard to Jerusalem will indicate the importance Masjid al Aqsa and therefore Jerusalem has assumed upon the Muslims hearts. 1. The miraculous journey of the holy Prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him] from Makkah to Masjid al Aqsa (al Isra) and his ascension through the heavens (al Ma’araj) has linked Jerusalem to the Muslims hearts and minds. The Holy Qur’an states: Glory to Allah who did take His Servant for a journey by night from the Sacred Mosque (in Makkah) to the Al-Aqsa (in Jerusalem) whose precincts We did bless (al-Isra 17: 1) - The Lord Almighty had at in His power to have taken the Prophet Muhammad e from Makkah straight up to the heavens. However, to impress the importance of Jerusalem upon Muslims the Prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him] was first taken to Masjid al Aqsa in Jerusalem. - When in Masjid al Aqsa Haram Shareef the Prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him] led Salaah and was followed by all the previous Prophets peace be upon him. Hence the whole of Masjid al Aqsa precincts are unique in that this is the only place on earth where all the Prophets peace be upon him performed Salaah in congregation. - The Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) peace be upon him central to all the three faiths migrated to the land of Canaanite around 1805 BC. The Qur’an states: We said, O Fire! Be thou cool and safety for Ibrahim. Then they planned against him, but We made them the greater losers. But We delivered him and (his nephew) Lot (and directed them) to the land which We have blessed for the nations (Al-Anbiyaa 21: 69-71) 2. The sacredness of Jerusalem is emphasised on numerous places in the Holy Qur’an. The Apostles of Allah, Muhammad [peace be upon him] and also Prophet Musa (Mosses) [peace be upon him] alluded to it. The Holy Qur’an reports Prophet Musa [peace be upon him] telling his people: O my people! Enter the holy land… (Al-Maida 5: 21) 3.Further the Holy Qur’an states: (It was Our power that made) the violent (unruly) Wind flow (tamely) for Sulaman. To his order, to the land Which We had blessed… (Al-Anbiyaa 21: 81) 4. Masjid al Aqsa and therefore Jerusalem’s importance was further emphasised by the sayings of Prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him]: (a) According to Islamic teachings there are only three places to which it is desirable to undertake a journey for the purpose of Salaah. Abu Huraira [ra] is quoted as saying that Allah’s Messenger [peace be upon him] said, ‘set out deliberately on a journey only to three mosques: this mosque of mine (in Medina), the Sacred Mosque (in Makkah) and the Masjid al Aqsa (in Jerusalem) (Bukhari & Muslim) (b) The virtues of praying in Masjid al Aqsa are exalted: Abu Darda [ra] is quoted as saying that the Prophet of Allah Muhammad [peace be upon him] said, a prayer in the Sacred Mosque (in Makkah) is worth 100, 000 prayers, a prayer in my mosque (in Medina) is worth 1, 000 and a prayer in Jerusalem is worth 500 prayers more than in an any other mosque. (Bukhari) As part of another tradition, on the authority of Maimunah bint Sa’d, it is reported that, upon being asked about a person who is unable to travel to the Masjid al Aqsa, the Messenger of Allah [peace be upon him] said, ‘He should make a gift of oil to be burnt therein, for He who gives a gift to the Masjid al Aqsa will be like one who has prayed Salaah therein.’ (Ahmad & Ibn Majah) c) The Masjid al Aqsa is the second house of prayer established on earth: Abu Dhar [ra] is quoted as saying, I asked the beloved Prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him] which was the first mosque on earth? ‘The Sacred Mosque (in Makkah),’ he said. And then which, I asked? ‘Masjid al Aqsa,’ he said. I further asked, what was the time span between the two? ‘Forty years,’ the Prophet [peace be upon him] replied. (Muslim) (d) Abu Umamah al Bahili [ra] reports that the Prophet of Allah [peace be upon him] as saying, ‘A group of my ummah will remain firm upon the truth, dominating their enemies. They will not be harmed by their opponents until Allah’s decree arrives upon them. They asked, ‘Oh Prophet of Allah [peace be upon him]! Where will they be?’ He replied, ‘In Bait al Maqdis and its surrounding areas. (Ahmad) 5. The Masjid al Aqsa was the First Qibla (the direction to which Muslims faced when praying Salaah): The centrality, historical and cultural significance of Masjid al Aqsa is further emphasised by the fact that Muslims used to turn towards Jerusalem when they prayed. This was practised until 16 to 17 months after hijra, when Allah I commanded in His wisdom, for the Muslims to face Makkah. The importance of Masjid al Aqsa remained and all the worship performed facing Masjid al Aqsa was good and valid. 6. The resting place of Prophets [peace be upon him] and Prophet’s companions [ra]: The land of Palestine has in it some of the noblest souls the earth has seen. The graves of many Prophet’s are in Palestine. Including Ibrahim peace be upon him, Yakub peace be upon him, Ishaq [peace be upon them] and according to some commentators there are over 100 Prophets buried in Palestine. Palestine also has the bodies of some of the closest companions of the Prophet e and thus the first generation Muslims. Included in these are the graves of Ubada ibn al Samit, Shaddad ibn Aws ibn Thabit 7. Merits of Performing Haj or Umrah from Masjid al Aqsa: Umm Salamah [ra] narrates that she heard the Prophet [peace be upon him] saying, ‘whosoever starts his Umrah or Haj from Masjid al Aqsa his wrong actions will be forgiven, both past and future.’ In another version, he is reported to have said that Paradise would be his reward. (Targheb) SO AS YOU CAN SEE, IVRI, JERUSALEM DID NOT "SUDDENLY" BECOME IMPORTANT TO MUSLIMS IN THE 1930S. ALL OF THESE SOURCES GO BACK TO THE QURAN AND HADITH, WRITTEN DOWN 1,400 YEARS AGO! I HOPE YOU WILL NOW DESIST FROM POSTING THIS ILL-INFORMED CUT-AND-PASTE ANSWER THAT I HAVE SEEN ATTACHED TO SEVERAL QUESTIONS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER.

A: Actually, the Arabs ARE allowed to live in Israel as they are Muslims and thus monotheists. According to Judaism, non-Jews who follow the Seven Noahide Laws may live in Israel, and Islam is the only religion which does NOT violate these laws! More on the laws of Noah: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_Noahide_Laws EDIT: I do not know the Torah passage offhand, but I do know that Israel, as a holy place, is to be inhabitted by people who worship G-d and only G-d. The logical conclusion is that only Muslims and Jews qualify....

Q: Does the Torah tell Jews not to eat pork?
I know they/you don't but where is this rule written, in the Torah or other scriptures? Also, why isn't it allowed? Is it for similar reasons to Muslims?

A: God said not to eat it. So, we don't eat it. There doesn't have to be an explanation, so this is what we call a "hoke".