The Written Torah is the five books of Moses, containing foundational narratives and commandments; the Oral Torah is the body of explanations and interpretations that shows how those teachings are understood and applied. Although originally transmitted orally according to Jewish tradition, much of the Oral Torah was later written down.
How Do They Relate to the Covenant?
In Judaism, b'rit means the covenant between God and the Jewish people. The Written Torah sets out covenant obligations, while the Oral Torah explains how believers should fulfil them in changing circumstances.
The term Torah means teaching or law. It can refer specifically to the five books of Moses or, more broadly, to Jewish religious teaching, including both written and oral traditions.
| Aspect | Written Torah | Oral Torah |
|---|---|---|
| Main content | Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy | Interpretations, legal discussions and teachings explaining the written text |
| Traditional origin | In Orthodox belief, divine teaching given through Moses | In Orthodox belief, explanations also given to Moses and transmitted through generations |
| Transmission | Preserved as a written text and read from scrolls in synagogue worship | Initially transmitted orally, then recorded and developed in rabbinic literature |
| Principal texts | The five books of Moses | The Mishnah and the Talmud |
The Mishnah is a compilation of oral legal teachings. The Gemara contains rabbinic discussion of the Mishnah; together, they form the Talmud.
For example, the Written Torah prohibits work on Shabbat. Oral Torah discussions clarify what counts as prohibited work, shaping observance among Orthodox Jewish communities today. This connects sacred teaching to halakhah, Jewish law.
Diversity and Exam Application
Orthodox Judaism affirms the divine authority of both traditions. Reform and Liberal Judaism generally understand their development more historically and allow greater adaptation.
A common misconception is that “Oral Torah” means teachings that remain unwritten. Correct this explicitly. In an IB World Religions response, explain how interpretation enables covenant observance rather than merely listing texts.