Before there was TorahThe Five Books of Moses, and the foundation of all of Jewish life and lore. The Torah is considered the heart and soul of the Jewish people, and study of the Torah is a high mitzvah. The Torah itself a scroll that is hand lettered on parchment, elaborately dressed and decorated, and stored in a decorative ark. It is chanted aloud on Mondays, Thursdays, and Shabbat, according to a yearly cycle. Sometimes "Torah" is used as a colloquial term for Jewish learning and narrative in general.
There was thunder.
Lightning.
The sound of a horn beating.
A mountain and smoke billowing.
People trembling.
The Word arose from sight and sound.
To receive Torah was a moment.
But what of the moment prior?
In which our senses and primal feelings
Called out to G-d above.
Wanting to stay at a distance
But remaining firmly in place.
As if to say:
“I’m scared.”
“I’m ready.”
Reveal Torah.
And, with your blessing,
Reveal me.
