Hebrew Bible

Torah 101: The Five Books Explained

Yakira Soble
May 27, 2025

The Torah is more than just an ancient scroll; it’s the heart of Jewish life, learning, and tradition. Whether you grew up chanting parsha every week or you’re just starting to explore Jewish texts, the Five Books of Moses offer wisdom that still speaks today.

What Is the Torah?

The Torah (תּוֹרָה), meaning “teaching” or “instruction,” refers to the first five books of the Hebrew Bible. These sacred texts, also called the Chumash (חֻמָּשׁ), from the Hebrew word for “five,” are traditionally believed to have been given by God to Moses at Mount Sinai. Written in Biblical Hebrew and read publicly in synagogue year-round, the Torah is divided into weekly portions called parshiyot (singular: parsha, פָּרְשָׁה), making it accessible to the community one week at a time.

Why Is It Divided into Five Books?

The Torah is split into five separate books, each with its own themes, characters, and key events. They form a narrative that stretches from the creation of the world to the Israelites standing on the edge of the Promised Land. This division helps organize both the storytelling and the commandments (mitzvot) into digestible parts, and it’s how we still study and read the Torah today.

Why the Torah Still Matters

For over 3,000 years, the Torah has been at the center of Jewish life. Its influence can be seen in everything from holiday traditions and ethical debates to family customs and synagogue rituals. Studying the Torah, whether weekly through the parsha, at a Shabbat table, or in a class, connects Jews to generations of wisdom and helps keep tradition alive.

A Closer Look: The Five Books of the Torah

Each book of the Torah has both a Hebrew and English name, typically drawn from its opening words. Together, they contain a total of 54 parshiyot, which are read in a yearly cycle in Jewish communities around the world.

Bereishit (בְּרֵאשִׁית) – Genesis
Bereishit means “In the Beginning,” and this book tells the story of creation, the Garden of Eden, the flood, the Tower of Babel, and the lives of the patriarchs and matriarchs: Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, Jacob, Rachel, and Leah. It includes 12 parshiyot and lays the foundation for the Jewish people and their relationship with God.
Shemot (שְׁמוֹת) – Exodus
Shemot, or “Names,” follows the Israelites as they descend into slavery in Egypt, rise up under Moses’ leadership, and receive the Ten Commandments (Aseret HaDibrot) at Mount Sinai. With 11 parshiyot, this book is filled with miracles, plagues, and the beginnings of Jewish law and nationhood.
Vayikra (וַיִּקְרָא) – Leviticus
Vayikra means “And He Called,” and it focuses on laws of holiness, rituals, and the role of the Kohanim (priests). This book contains 10 parshiyot and is sometimes seen as technical, but its emphasis on ethics, holiness, and community values is deeply spiritual.
Bamidbar (בַּמִּדְבָּר) – Numbers
Bamidbar, or “In the Wilderness,” tells the story of the Israelites’ 40-year journey through the desert. With 10 parshiyot, it includes censuses, leadership struggles, and lessons in faith and resilience. It’s a raw and real look at a people growing into their identity.
Devarim (דְּבָרִים) – Deuteronomy
Devarim means “Words,” and this final book features Moses’ farewell speeches. It repeats and reframes many earlier laws with 11 parshiyot, and emphasizes remembering the past and preparing for a future in the Land of Israel. It’s both a recap and a heartfelt send-off.

A Living Legacy

The Five Books of Moses aren’t just ancient stories; they’re a roadmap for Jewish living, identity, and connection. Whether you're lighting Shabbat candles, reading with your kids, or choosing a beautiful Chumash for your home, the Torah continues to inspire, teach, and unite.

And in today’s world, a little timeless wisdom goes a long way.