Torah

The first five books of the Bible are known as the Torah, the word is often translated "Law". These books were the normative part of the Jewish canon, and contained the "instruction" (which is a better translation of "torah") or teaching upon which Israel's life was to be based.

"torah" also refers to the genre of priestly instruction. In the Bible, such teaching characteristically begins with a series of directions telling the worshiper about the actions or behavior required. These are often grounded in the nature of God, in the mighty acts of the Lord in Israel's history, or the hope of future blessing. Dt 14:21 provides a brief example:

You shall not eat anything that dies of itself; you may give it to aliens residing in your towns for them to eat,or you may sell it to a foreigner.
INSTRUCTIONS
For you are a people holy to the Lord your God.
REASON