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Torah Study

Torah

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.

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Why Study Torah?

Torah Study 101

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

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

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

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

Contents

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THE NOSHER

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SOUTHERN & JEWISH

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THE CANTEEN

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KVELLER

You Are Your Own Birth Advocate

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