Listed here is "plan" for becoming more involved in Talmud Torah (the Learning of Torah concepts and obligations) and the performing of mitzvahs (the application of one's learning).  While each individual will need to tailor this plan to his or her own level or learning and commitment, we at TUMMS.org are confident that this "plan" will go along way toward "getting one's feet wet" in the beautiful and rewarding world of Torah and Mitzvahs!

There are a few basic Seforim (books) that every Jew needs as part of his or her library.  Here is a list of these texts and suggestions on how to use them:

1)  The very first and most important commandment is to KNOW that There is a G-d who created us, sustains us, and watches over us -- rewarding and punishing us as necessary.  Because G-d has placed us in a world were we have free choice, and because so many of those choices have the potential to take us away from G-d, one MUST remind himself daily -- even several times a day -- that G-d in fact does exist, and that we are beholden to Him.  One of the best ways to keep the reality of G-d before us at all times is prayer.  Thus the first tool in a Jew's arsenal is a Siddur (a Prayer Book).  Art Scroll (a Jewish publisher) has come out with a beautiful Hebrew/English Siddur by which one can become familiar with the various prayers (morning, afternoon and evening: Shacharis, Minchah, Ma'ariv), blessings (before and after food; upon performing various mitzvahs; even the b'rachah one should recite upon seeing a rainbow!), and the laws governing them.

2)  The Torah -- the Five Books of Moses -- are divided into 54 portions which are read consecutively throughout the Jewish year.  Since the Torah is the basis for Judaism, a Jew must become as familiar as possible with it and its authoritative commentaries.  Art Scroll Press has put out a beautiful Chumash (Torah) and we suggest that the newly curious Jews invest a bit of time each week and read through the text of that week's Torah Portion twice and through the commentary at least once.

--to be continued....

Each of these texts can be obtained through the Torah Academy Bookstore:
Torah Academy Bookstore (Rabbi Ephraim Silverberg): (952)285-8618