The Importance of the Sefer Torah in Jewish Practice
Why is the Sefer Torah important? This question can be likened to asking, why is a solid foundation important in building a skyscraper. The Torah is the foundational text of Judaism, and its importance reverberates throughout Jewish history and practice.
Understanding the Sefer Torah
A Sefer Torah is a written copy of the Torah, which consists of the first five books of the Bible. These books are often referred to as TaNaCh (Torah, Neviim [Prophets], Kisvei Kadosh [Holy Writings]) or the Old Testament in Christian contexts. The term Sefer Torah refers to a hand-written scroll, while the Oral Torah is the counterpart, encapsulated in the Talmud and other rabbinic literature.
Biblical Commandments and the Sefer Torah
There are two significant Biblical commandments related to the Sefer Torah:
Writing a Sefer Torah
The first commandment, derived from Deuteronomy 31:19, mandates that every Jewish male should write a Sefer Torah:
Now therefore write this song and teach it to the Israelites, put it in their mouths in order that this song may be a witness for me against the Israelites.
This commandment is further explained in Deuteronomy 31:11-13:
Moses wrote down this Torah and gave it to the priests . . . and to all the elders of Israel. And Moses instructed them... that all the people—both men and women, all the little ones, and the strangers in your midst—standing before the LORD your God, shall hear and learn to fear the LORD your God, to observe all the words of this law, and to perform them.
This instruction emphasizes the importance of a communal, collective reading of the Torah. The exact method of writing the Sefer Torah is described in the Talmud and involves meticulous detail, ensuring that the scroll is in its proper form. Due to the high costs and specific requirements, the commandment is often fulfilled by contributing to the purchase of a Sefer Torah for the community and tracing letters under the guidance of a professional scribe.
Reading from the Sefer Torah
The second commandment, also derived from Deuteronomy 31:10-13, mandates the public reading of the Torah:
Moses instructed them as follows: Every seventh year the year set for remission at the Feast of Booths when all Israel comes to appear before the LORD your God in the place that He will choose you shall read this Torah aloud in the presence of all Israel. Gather the people—men, women, children and the strangers in your communities—that they may hear and so learn to revere the LORD your God and to observe faithfully every word of this Teaching. Their children too who have not had the experience shall hear and learn to revere the LORD your God as long as they live in the land that you are about to cross the Jordan to possess.
According to the Talmud, Ezra the Scribe expanded this practice, instituting regular public readings three days a week and on special occasions like festivals and fast days, as noted in Ne?emiah 8 (Ezra 3:1-13).
Conclusion
The Sefer Torah is not merely a document; it is a living, integral part of Jewish life. Its importance lies in its role as a community unifier, a source of wisdom and guidance, and a spiritual bridge connecting past, present, and future generations. Whether through a written scroll or a ministered reading, the Sefer Torah continues to inspire and instruct, ensuring the enduring legacy of Judaism.