Torah as the Expression of the Divine

By Rabbi Aharon E. Wexler

For 49 days, we have faithfully counted the Omer, culminating in the joyous celebration of Shavuot, the holiday commemorating the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai. This remarkable period leads us to reflect on the profound significance of the Torah and its place in our lives.

Why It Matters: Embracing and Understanding Torah

Shavuot is widely observed with all-night Torah study sessions, celebrating our ancestral gift. Traditional practices include intensive Talmud study and attending continuous Torah lectures until dawn, demonstrating our dedication and excitement for Torah learning. This tradition is rooted in our collective effort to correct a legendary past mistake and reflects our ongoing commitment to study.

Expanding the Concept of Torah

It’s essential to recognize that Torah extends beyond the Five Books of Moses. It encompasses a vast library of multigenerational knowledge, including the Talmud, commentaries, responsa literature, and religious codes. This broad spectrum of texts underscores that Torah is an expression of the ‘mind of God,’ a divine blueprint reflected in every aspect of creation.

A Unique Perspective: Translating Divine Wisdom

There is a fascinating Talmud story of Moses receiving the Torah amidst the angels’ protests. Moses cleverly demonstrated that the Torah given to humans addresses human concerns and realities, distinct from any angelic Torah. This indicates that God’s word carries unique interpretations and applications appropriate for different beings. This realization allows us to appreciate the diverse approaches within Judaism, with God engaging each individual uniquely through the Torah.

Transformative Study: Encountering the Divine

Unlike other academic pursuits, studying Torah is transformational rather than merely informational. As we delve into Torah, it is an opportunity for God to speak to us. The constant engagement with Torah study brings us closer to the divine presence, highlighting why Torah study is central to Judaism.

Practical Steps for Continued Learning

Many find it sufficient to engage with secondary texts about the Torah. However, direct engagement with the original texts—whether weekly Torah readings, Mishna with the Kehati commentary, or studying Talmud with resources like ArtScroll or Steinsaltz—offers unparalleled depth. Even dedicating just an hour a day to Torah study can profoundly enhance familiarity with divine wisdom and nurture a closer connection to God.

Sustaining the Spirit of Shavuot

By continuing our Torah study beyond Shavuot, we bring its enlightening spirit into the rest of the year. This sustained study transforms seasons of our lives and prepares us for a deeper, more profound experience with each subsequent Shavuot, continually enriching our understanding and relationship with Torah.

The writer holds a doctorate in Jewish philosophy and teaches at post-high school yeshivot and midrashot in Jerusalem.

This story was first published on jpost.com.