Judaism basics
The Five Books of Moses
Meet Bereishit, Shemot, Vayikra, Bamidbar and Devarim and begin reading the Torah.
The Torah’s five books are Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. Their Hebrew names are Bereishit, Shemot, Vayikra, Bamidbar and Devarim. Together they include narratives, the Exodus, the giving of the Torah and many mitzvot.
Reading in order helps you follow the story, while following the weekly portion connects learning to the synagogue reading cycle. Neither approach requires rushing. A few verses studied carefully, with attention to their setting, can be more useful than a chapter read without understanding.
A place to begin
- Open Genesis 1 to start at the beginning.
- Keep Hebrew and English visible when comparing wording.
- Use the weekly portion for a shared community study topic.
Editorial introduction based on the linked Chabad.org resource; not a personal halachic ruling or a rabbi-reviewed article. Ask a qualified rabbi about practical observance. Prepare printed learning before Shabbat; device use is not permitted simply because a reading is saved.