The Timeless Journey of Torah: From Sinai to Today

Some skeptics argue, unfortunately, that the Torah is a human invention rather than a divine gift bestowed at Mount Sinai. They claim it mimics the ancient rituals of neighboring civilizations. According to this view, a human lawmaker borrowed foreign ideas from surrounding peoples and incorporated them into the Torah.

First, this notion is inherently absurd. The Torah vehemently commands the destruction of idols and altars and forbids any form of idolatry (Exodus 34:13, among others). The Torah distances itself from idolatry with utmost disdain. If the Torah originated from foreign sources, as some suggest, why does it unequivocally reject all forms of idol worship? Surely, the "source" of these supposed borrowed laws would not have included such prohibitions against idolatry?

Moreover, consider the profound depth and meticulous detail of halacha. If indeed external influences inspired the Torah of Israel, the outcome should have been the opposite. Cultural influences typically dilute and soften disparate elements during transmission from one society to another, not deepen or intensify them.

Additionally, there has never been, nor is there, any religion, past or present, with such precise and detailed halachic definitions like those found within the Torah's commandments. Scholars dedicate decades of their lives to studying the Torah in depth to grasp the boundless sea of halacha. From where did this level of detail emerge? This vast knowledge? Could such profound insight have arisen from primitive cults practiced by ancient surrounding peoples?

Throughout generations, Torah scholars feel as though they are studying the one true Torah. Every element is intertwined in harmony, moving towards the Torah, both written and oral, given at Sinai. The delicate reasoning and specifics found in the Mishnah, Gemara, and countless other books point towards a massive, coherent celestial message. They perceive that the great fountain of our Torah flows from the intricacies of its very letters. They engage in the study of divine Torah.

One area where the Vilna Gaon, Rabbi Elijah of Vilna, excelled was identifying the sources for every halachic rule and detail within the written Torah. He explained the nuances, the methods of learning from the verses, and the infinite depth of the Torah given from on high. He illustrated how laws were derived from the scriptures and how the vast knowledge on every detail was embedded within the depths of these very verses.

Every diligent scholar and everyone who studies the topics from their origins experiences the profound learning journey, seeing how everything is interconnected and how it all illuminates with the light of true Torah.

Returning to the central argument: No ritual or religion has ever approached the transmission, detail, and depth of Torah’s laws. Who "invented" the intricate laws of purity and impurity, kashrut and forbidden foods, holidays, damages, marriage, prohibitions on illicit relationships, laws concerning the land, tithes, sabbatical years, and so much more, that even attempting to detail a mere fraction of the halachic subjects risks brevity? All this encompasses the breadth of halacha, with each field and subject containing many detailed and profound laws.

From where did this vast treasure come? Was there any nation that possessed even a fragment of this blessed harvest?

Moreover, in addition to halacha, the Torah expands into so many other realms: stories and ethics, teachings and hints, the deep and intricate Torah of secrets, and so much more. Where did all these come from if not from the heavens?

The Jewish bookshelf is the largest of any cultural bookshelf in the world; there has never been such a prolific topic as Torah. Among them are ancient books dating back centuries and millennia, alongside numerous contemporary works, almost to infinity. Each generation adds layers, depth, and clarity to the divine Torah, all connected and ultimately sourced from the original light. It is impossible to disconnect Torah study from its ancient source. Everything is related, supported, and testifies to mutual connection.

Where else was there such boundless wisdom in the world, other than from the heavens that descended upon Mount Sinai and from which we received the true Torah?

From the book "At the Foot of Sinai," which has yet to be published.