In the Jewish context, the word describes individuals who follow a lifestyle dictated by scrupulous observance of the “Mitzvot,” the Commands of G-d, as recorded in the Torah. Again in the Jewish context, the word has essentially the same meaning as “Orthodox.” The common denominator is that both believe strongly in the Principle of “Torah min HaShamayim;” namely, that the Torah was given by HaShem to the Jewish People, on Mt. Sinai and during their forty year sojourn through the desert, as recorded in the Bible. Ultimately, by their fulfillment of their role as “A light unto the nations,” the People of Israel will communicate the principles of the Torah to all of humanity, as well.
