DEUT57 The Idea of Talmud Torah. Rabbinic fancy extolled the Torah as the instrument wherewith God fashioned the universe. Whatever its role in the cosmic scheme, it has been the chief means of creating the world of Judaism. It has been the dynamic of Jewish living. Indeed, Judaism is the religion of Torah, not alone of the Written Law or the Pentateuch, nor even of the Oral law, but of the progressive growth of the Jewish people in religious knowledge and culture. Therein lies the distinction of Judaism as a religion. In the words of [this verse], the Torah is our wisdom and understanding in the eyes of the nations. The Torah is also our source of life as a people. Perhaps nowhere except among the Brahmans in India has study of secret literature been accorded so high a place as in Judaism. Touching and illuminating every phase of life, the Torah has welded religion and life into an indissoluble union. It not only presents a roadmap of life but makes the pursuit of its directions the very condition of blessedness. Its scope is furthermore not only spiritual and moral but also intellectual. Instruction and discipline are based on knowledge. As a religion founded upon enlightened faith rather than upon credulity, that has sought the aid of the sciences and philosophies--to the limit of their powers--in the establishment of it creedal foundations, Judaism has ever stressed knowledge as one of the chief duties which man owes himself and God. Reason itself is a phase of the spiritual life. To exercise his reasoning is part of man's spirituality. If some phases of existence are beyond reason, there are many others within its domain. Among them are the ways of human conduct. To be intelligent regarding the matters that most affect his being is the religious obligation of man. "Thou shalt know" and "lay it to the heart"--knowledge and understanding--are the ever-recurrent motifs of Jewish religious teaching. They are the steps which lead to faith, appreciation, devotion and love.