# Torah

/ˈtɔɹə/ (US) · /tˈɔːɹɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/torah
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 3. the whole body of Jewish law

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical · Formal

the entire collection of Jewish laws and teachings, including both written and spoken traditions.

For teachers: the totality of Jewish religious law, instruction, and philosophy, including both the written scriptures and the oral tradition.

- The rabbi spent his whole life studying Torah and teaching others.
- In this broader theological sense, Torah represents the ongoing process of interpreting divine will through study and debate.

Usage: Often used without an article in academic or theological contexts.

Teaching tip: This is a more abstract sense used by scholars and religious experts to mean 'divine instruction' in general.

## Examples

- The rabbi read a passage from the Torah during the service.
- During the bar mitzvah ceremony, the young student was called to read a portion of the Torah in front of the congregation.
- Scholars often examine the Torah not only as a foundational religious document but also as a complex legal framework that has shaped Jewish ethical thought for millennia.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.