What is a Chumash?

Meaning and Significance in Judaism

). A Chumash is a printed edition of the Torah: Genesis (Bereishit), Exodus (Shemot), Leviticus (Vayikra), Numbers (Bamidbar), and Deuteronomy (Devarim). Unlike a Torah scroll (Sefer Torah, ספר תורה), which is handwritten on parchment, a Chumash is in book form and often includes commentaries, explanations, and sometimes translations.

The Chumash is at the core of Jewish practice and study. It is the text read in synagogues during the weekly Torah reading (kriat haTorah, קריאת התורה) and is studied by Jews of all backgrounds. Chumashim (plural of Chumash) bring the Jewish people's foundational text into homes, schools, and non-liturgical settings, making Torah accessible to all.

Historical and Textual Origins

as in:

Hebrew**: עַל־פִּי יְהוָה יַחֲנוּ וְעַל־פִּי יְהוָה יִסָּעוּ אֶת־מִשְׁמֶרֶת יְהוָה שָׁמָרוּ עַל־פִּי יְהוָה בְּיַד־משֶׁה

Translation: Transliteration*: Al pi Adonai yachanu v'al pi Adonai yisau; et mishmeret Adonai shamaru al pi Adonai beyad Moshe.*

(Numbers 9:23)

Rabbinic sources refer to the Torah as being divided into five books. The Mishnah states:

Hebrew**: בן חמש שנים למקרא

Translation: Transliteration*: Ben chamesh shanim le-mikra*

(Pirkei Avot 5:21)

Here, mikra refers specifically to the Torah's five books.

The Chumash as a format developed much later, with the invention of the codex (bound book) and the move from handwritten scrolls. The Talmud distinguishes between a Sefer Torah and other written copies:

(Gittin 60a)

Key Concepts, Laws, and Practices Involved

The Chumash is used for three primary purposes:

1. Public Torah Reading (קריאת התורה, kriat haTorah)

Torah is read publicly from a handwritten scroll with precise conditions. However, Chumashim are used by the congregation to follow along, since only one person may read directly from the scroll at a time. The weekly and holiday readings are organized according to a cycle; the current section, called the parashah (פרשה, parashah), is easy to follow in a Chumash.

2. Study and Commentary

י, Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki), Ibn Ezra, Ramban (Nachmanides), and others, as well as modern interpretations. This follows the rabbinic tradition of studying Torah with interpretation:

Hebrew**: הפוך בה והפוך בה דכולא בה

Translation: Transliteration*: Hafokh bah v'hafokh bah, d'kula bah*

(Pirkei Avot 5:26*)

The Chumash thus embodies Judaism's devotion to continual learning and discussion.

3. Personal and Communal Rituals

Chumashim are used for life-cycle events, such as at a Brit Milah (ברית מילה, circumcision), weddings, or funerals, where verses are recited. They are also used for teaching children, fulfilling the mitzvah (commandment) of Torah study (Talmud Torah, תלמוד תורה).

Halachic Laws Regarding the Chumash

From a halachic (Jewish legal) standpoint, a Chumash does not have the same sanctity as a Torah scroll but must be treated with respect. If an old or worn-out Chumash cannot be used, it is placed in a genizah (גניזה, storage for sacred texts) and later buried.

Relevance to Jewish Life Today

The Chumash remains central to Jewish identity and practice:

- Accessibility: The Chumash brings the Torah to those who do not read Hebrew fluently, as many editions provide translations and transliterations.

- Education: From early childhood, Jewish education centers on the Chumash. Schoolchildren begin with stories, then progress to learning the language and commentaries.

- Synagogue Life: In every synagogue, worshipers follow the Torah reading in a Chumash, often sharing thoughts from its commentaries during discussion.

- Home Study: Many families make time each week to read the weekly parshah together, fulfilling the mitzvah of Talmud Torah.

A famous verse in Jewish liturgy expresses the deep attachment to the Torah, found printed at the end of many Chumashim:

Hebrew**: עֵץ־חַיִּים הִיא לַמַּחֲזִיקִים בָּהּ וְתֹמְכֶיהָ מְאֻשָּׁר

Translation: Transliteration*: Etz chayim hi la'machazikim bah, v'tom'cheha me'ushar.*

(Proverbs 3:18, as sung when returning the Torah to the ark)

Through the Chumash, the Torah becomes a living document, owned and accessed by every Jew. It bridges sacred community ritual and the personal world of learning, fulfilling the commandment:

Hebrew**: וְהִגַּדְתָּ לְבִנְךָ

Translation: Transliteration*: V'higgadta l'vincha*

(Exodus 13:8)

Jewish life, at its core, revolves around the continual engagement with Torah—and for most people, that engagement is through the Chumash. With its roots in ancient tradition and its branches in every generation, the Chumash invites each Jew to enter a dialogue that spans centuries, languages, and cultures.