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Torah
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Torah
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In Judaism, the first five books of the Tenakh, or Hebrew Bible (Christian Old Testament): Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. It contains a traditional history of the world from the Creation to the death of Moses; it also includes the Hebrew people's covenant with their one God (through the prophets Abraham and Moses), and the 613 mitzvot (commandments, or laws) that Jews should follow, beginning with the Ten Commandments. The mitzvot include rules for religious observance and guidelines for social conduct.
Following the Exodus from Egypt, the Hebrews are said to have wandered in the desert for 40 years, during which time the 613 laws of the Torah were revealed by God. Sefer Torahs, elaborately dressed Torah scrolls, are housed in every synagogue. They are stored in the ark, a sacred enclosure, and are offered great respect. Jews believe that the Torah was a renewal of God's covenant with his people, and that by observing the guidelines laid down in the Torah, they fulfil their part of the covenant with God.
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