torah

name

1. The first five books of the Hebrew Scriptures, traditionally attributed to Moses and therefore also known as the Five Books of Moses.

   “Holonyms: Tanakh, Hebrew Bible, Jewish Bible, Septuagint”

   “Tradition holds that the Torah was handed down to Moses on Mount Sinai.”

   “The Jews were denying that the punishment was stoning, and Muhammad demanded to see a copy of the Torah and that it be read to him. The ruling that prescribed stoning the adulterer was in the Torah for all to see, and Muhammad was vindicated. Al-Biqāʿī also cites a different version of the same report in which Muhammad placed the Torah on a cushion as a sign of respect.”

   “Services during Yom Kippur are held continuously through the day and include readings from the Torah and the reciting of prayers expressing regret or asking for forgiveness.”

2. (Judaism)The full body of written Jewish law, including the Tanakh, the Talmud, the Mishnah and the midrashic texts.

   “It says in the Torah that both gossip and murder cause irreparable damage.”

3. (Judaism)The whole of Jewish law, both written and unwritten.
4. (Judaism)The encompassing philosophy of Judaism.

noun

1. A specially written scroll containing the five books of Moses, such as those used in religious services.

   “Holonyms: Old Testament, Tanakh”

   “An anonymous donor has provided us with a lovely new Torah.”

2. A book containing the five books of Moses.

   “There was a lovely leather-bound Torah on the bookshelf.”