Torah Study
The Spirituality of Texts
For thousands of years Jews have been studying in pairs or in groups, respectfully debating each other, and learning the stories and legal texts of Judaism. Some people condense what they have learned about a certain subject into a d'var Torah, or a brief sermon, to help share knowledge with others.
Read moreWhy Study Torah?
Torah Study 101
An end in itself, another way of worshiping God.
Rewards for Learning Torah
Studying Torah is valued by Jewish tradition as one of the most important activities for both children and adults.
Reading and Studying
Studying Jewish texts is an act of communal identification and communication.
How to Study Torah
In Jewish practice, Torah study often takes on a ritualized role similar to that of prayer.
How to Write a Dvar Torah
Preparing a D'var Torah
How to begin writing some words of Torah.
Dos and Donts
Factor your audience's expectations and the limits of their patience into your presentation.
Seven Approaches
Thinking of your d'var Torah as an example of a standard form can help you plan what to say.
Hermeneutics (Drash)
A method for learning Torah, developed by the rabbis of the Talmud.
Debate and Conversation
Conversation & Debate
Arguing is the Jewish national sport.
Valuing Debate
Jewish tradition prefers to promote discussion rather than correctness.
Disputes that Unite
A lesson from the Talmud for today's Jewish community.
Havruta Learning in Pairs
A modern emphasis on peer-guided text study reflects new social realities.
Censorship
Both internal and external books have been banned from Judaism throughout history.
Books
Back to the Sources: Reading the Classical Jewish Texts
Edited by Barry Holtz
Torah With Love: A Guide for Strengthening Jewish Values
By David Epstein and Suzanne Stutman
The Burnt Book: Reading the Talmud
By Marc-Alain Ouaknin
The Bible: Where Do You Find it and What Does it Say?
By Rabbi Ronald H. Isaacs