Sacred Texts

• The Torah contains the Shema is the first prayer a Jewish child will learn. The word ‘Shema’ means ‘hear’, and is the first word of the prayer: “Hear, O Israel”. The prayer was developed as a way of summarising the whole of the Jewish law and is the central focus of Jewish worship. The Shema is recited in the morning, and it is said or sung before bed. It is also commonly said in the synagogue service where people will stand to say it. The Shema is the first prayer a child learns, and if possible the last thing a Jew will say before death.
• The Torah also tells Jews how to celebrate various festivals e.g. When

  Jews celebrate Shabbat, they are following a commandment from God which tells them to rest on the seventh day of the week. One of the Ten Commandments says: “Observe the Sabbath day and keep it

  holy.”
• The Torah contains Mitzvah (plural mitzvot) means ‘commandment’ and the mitzvot are the laws relating to Jewish life based on the Torah and the Talmud. Jews use this term when speaking of the rules that God wants them to keep. The purpose of the mitzvot is to discipline the people towards the holiness of a covenant people and the observance of them is of paramount importance in Judaism. The mitzvot set the Jewish people apart, and through their observance Jews demonstrate their belief in God and the acceptance of His demands. Keeping the mitzvot is a form of worship.
• Jews will study the sacred writings in the synagogue. Children attend for Hebrew classes, being taught the passage which they will read from the Torah at their Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Classes are also run for adults. Often a text from the Torah or Talmud is studied and sometimes there are lectures or discussion groups.
• In Judaism, the sacred texts hold importance, serving as guides for belief, ethics, and spirituality. The Torah stands as the most respected scripture, offering timeless wisdom that shapes Jewish life.For example, "For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings." This stresses the significance of compassion and ethical living over rituals. It reminds Jews that true devotion lies in showing kindness, empathy, and respect for others, reflecting the teachings found within their sacred texts.
• Jewish sacred texts stress the importance of fairness and doing what's right in every part of life. An example being: "Justice, justice shall you pursue," emphasising fairness and equality are crucial. This teaching, based on the Torah, urges Jews to actively work for social justice, especially for those who are marginalized or vulnerable. By following these ethical guidelines from their sacred texts, Jews aim to build a world marked by fairness, kindness, and strong moral values, reflecting the divine principles of their tradition.