What is the Chumash?
The Chumash is the printed, bound book form of the Five Books of Moses — the Torah as a volume you can hold and study, usually printed with translation and classic commentary alongside the text. The name comes from the Hebrew word for "five" (chamesh). It's distinct from a Sefer Torah, the handwritten parchment scroll used for the synagogue reading. In short, the Chumash is the Torah in study-friendly book form.
Chumash vs. Torah scroll — what's the difference?
| Chumash | Sefer Torah | |
|---|---|---|
| Form | Printed, bound book | Handwritten parchment scroll |
| Contents | The text plus translation & commentary | The Torah text only, no vowels or notes |
| Use | Personal and classroom study | The public synagogue reading |
The scroll is sacred and used ritually (what is a Sefer Torah?); the Chumash is the everyday tool for learning the same text with the help of the commentators.
Why study from a Chumash?
Because it puts everything in one place: the Hebrew, a translation, and the classic commentaries (often Rashi and others) right on the page — exactly what you need to actually understand the weekly parsha. It's the standard companion for learning the Torah, whether in a classroom, at the Shabbat table, or on your own.
In short: the Chumash is the printed, bound Five Books of Moses with translation and commentary — the study form of the Torah, as distinct from the handwritten scroll.
Learn the Chumash with Derekh Learning
Derekh prepares the weekly Torah portion with explanation and commentary in a voice that fits you. Start learning or read the major Torah commentators.
