Since the founding of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1630, the Bible has been invoked as the appropriate model and framework for governance for what would become the United States. In the 19th and early 20th century, the Bible figured prominently on both sides in the debate over slavery, immigration, prohibition of alcohol, and numerous other issues. Today, the Bible is selectively invoked to justify legislation regarding the teaching of Creationism, abortion rights and restrictions, race relations, gay rights and same-sex marriage, even foreign policy. In what ways, if any, is "Torah" distinct and different from "the Bible" invoked by politicians? How do Jewish understandings of the Torah's teachings relate to biblical texts alluded to in political debates?
