For many, the TorahRefers to the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, the Tanakh, also called the Five Books of Moses, Pentateuch or the Hebrew equivalent, Humash. This is also called the Written Torah. The term may also refer to teachings that expound on Jewish tradition. service is the heart of Shabbat morning services. We remove our sacred text from the Aron Kodesh, the ark, and parade it around the room in joy and song. After that, we set it on the amud, the lectern — in eager anticipation for it to be opened, so we can hear the timeless words of our tradition. 

But what are we supposed to do while the Torah is being read, what to feel, or even what to think about? Are we supposed to follow along in the chumashA collection of the Five Books of Moses, Pentateuch, or the Hebrew equivalent. Includes the haftarot readings, and usually contains some commentary. It is often used on Shabbat mornings to help follow the Torah reading.? To read the translation alongside the words, or to listen for mistakes? Is it okay to close our eyes, to simply listen and focus on the words themselves?

Whether we’re seasoned congregants or new to the practice, understanding the profound impact of hearing the Torah can deepen our experience in services. It’s more than a ritual; it’s a transformative encounter that shapes our identity and enriches our spiritual connection.

The Same Torah is Being Read Everywhere

One of the most poignant aspects of hearing the Torah is the inherent, intrinsic connection it creates with Jews around the world. Every week, Jews in diverse communities gather to read, listen, study, and discuss the same chapters of Torah — at the same time. Hearing the Torah is a reminder that we are part of a global family, and this can recharge our sense of belonging and unity.

Despite geographical distances or cultural differences, the weekly Torah portion connects us together, week after week. It reinforces the idea that we are never alone in our spiritual journey, that we are always a part of a larger community. And this global connection can be a source of strength and fulfillment.

The Same Torah Has Been Read Throughout Time

You may think that that alone is enough (dayenu!) — but hearing a reading of the Torah not only transcends distance, but time. It is a bridge to our history. Each word and melody carries us to the generations that came before. As we listen, we become part of an unbroken chain of tradition, linking us all the way to our ancestors who stood at Sinai.

This connection both transports us to the past and gives us context in understanding our place within a larger narrative. It reminds us of the values of our nation and encourages us to carry them forward. By engaging with the Torah, we keep our history alive and vibrant, ensuring that it continues to survive and guide future generations.

Hearing Torah Helps You Hear Yourself

Hearing the Torah is an opportunity to connect with oneself. In the midst of our hectic lives, the Torah reading can provide a moment of tranquility and introspection. By closing our eyes, tuning out external distractions, and concentrating on the ancient words and melody, we can find calm and centeredness. Allow the words, and the voice of the reader to serve as an anchor.

This inward focus can deepen our self-awareness and spiritual reflection. As we listen, we might find ourselves contemplating the values and teachings that resonate most deeply with our current challenges or experiences. This meditation can offer clarity and enhance our overall spiritual practice.

Listen to Torah as a Practice Outside of Services

Hearing the Torah is a practice that can enrich anyone’s spiritual life, regardless of where they are. Not everyone can attend services regularly—whether due to physical distance, the lack of a local community, or the constraints of time. But that shouldn’t limit your ability to meaningfully connect with text of the Torah.

I’ve created a professionally produced recording of the Torah being chanted, designed to bring the experience of hearing Torah into your home, without distractions. You can find it here. This resource is meant for when life gets in the way, but the desire to engage is still strong. I have taken every effort to ensure that this aural Torah is spoken with accurate pronunciations, emphasis, and trope. My hope is that this resource can help you appreciate the beauty and depth of the Torah, even outside the synagogue.

Hearing the Torah: More Than Words

Hearing the Torah is an invitation into a communal experience, even when you are alone. When you listen to the Torah being read, you’re not just engaging with text; you’re engaging with a living tradition, one that continues to speak, teach, and guide. The Torah was meant to be heard, and in hearing it, we tap into that ancient tradition. There is a power in the spoken word – a resonance that can’t be captured by reading alone. The ancient melodies serve as a vehicle, carrying the sacred text into you in a way that reading silently does not. In this way, hearing the Torah moves beyond passive listening; it becomes an immersive act of participation.

So the next time you hear the Torah being read, I invite you to: listen deeply, engage with the text, and let it transform you. Embrace the profound connection to your community and history, and allow the timeless wisdom of the Torah to guide and inspire you.