The Revelation at Sinai

The concept of "Torah from Heaven" is the basis for Jewish -- and later Christian and Muslim -- views of revelation. Such views regard certain texts and teachings as having been given to mankind as a communication from God, which may present general truths intended for a particular nation or for all nations. They may also present God's expectations of particular persons. Judaism sees the written Torah (i.e., the five books of Moses) and the rest of the Bible as containing God's message to the world -- including the commands and narratives, practices and attitudes that are the foundations of Jewish tradition, and, to a degree, of Western Civilization. Central aspects of this revelation take the form of commands. These commandments, as they emerge from the Bible and rabbinic literature, amount to a communication from God regarding how Jews should lead their lives. . . The final word on Torah from heaven has not yet been written. This book is dedicated to the premise that the idea of Torah from heaven deserves continued respect and discussion. This volume hopes to contribute to the Jewish conversation over the generations, sparking interest and further study. -- Introduction.