Ezra is one of the most pivotal figures in Jewish history. He brings to light the importance of studying the Torah. It’s not just reading scriptures that matters, but also reading them in a way that you fully understand them and allow God’s word to transform your life.
Ezra, through the lens of history
Ezra was a scribe and a priest who was instrumental in re-establishing the centrality of the Torah in the lives of the returning exiles. He was a leader during the exile to Babylon and played an important role in the restoration of Jewish life and practice in Jerusalem, arriving after arriving there around 458 BCE.
Ezra’s dedication to the Torah
Ezra was so dedicated to the Torah that he played so many pivotal roles in it. Obviously, he was an astute student who constantly read the Torah and sought out its advice throughout his life. He was so well known for his knowledge of the law of Moses that he was referred to as "Ezra the scribe."
It was said that he could write the entire Torah from memory. This understanding of the Torah allowed him to educate others on the intricacies and the importance of the stories within it. Not only did he guide others in understanding and practicing God's teachings.
Ezra’s public teachings of the Torah meant that more people could be educated about God’s word. The importance of teaching the Torah in public can’t be overstated because, at the time, people didn’t have access to it like they do now. Ezra gave the masses access to God’s word in a way that otherwise probably wouldn’t have been available.
The lasting legacy of Ezra
You might be surprised to learn that Ezra’s impact is still felt to this very day. One of the most significant achievements he had was the standardization of Hebrew script used for writing Torah scrolls. Just that alone has ensured that countless generations had a reliable source for the Torah.
Ezra is also credited with establishing the Great Assembly, a body of 120 sages who played a crucial role in shaping Jewish law and practice. It laid the groundwork for the development of rabbinic Judaism in later centuries.
Ezra also instituted the public reading of the Torah on Mondays and Thursdays, in addition to Shabbat. It meant that no more than three days would pass without the Torah being read in public. This brought the Torah to the forefront of communal Jewish life and made sure that everyone knew the importance of it.
Ezra’s love of the Torah still resonates today
It’s easy to find yourself in a world of highly addictive electronics where relationships are unfriended with a tap of the finger. Ezra, even to this day, helps us understand the value of the Torah and its place in the community. The Toray isn’t a dusty book meant only to be read on holidays, but it’s something that needs to be at the forefront of every Jewish life.
Reading of the Torah is a direct connection to God and His will. Those who are educated about the teachings of God will live according to His will. The way you ensure that, as Ezra fully understood, is to immerse yourself and your community in the Torah.
Wishing you a wonderful and blessed day!
See you in the next update,
Tohar Liani