What was Moses' role in Judaism?

Moses holds a central role in Judaism primarily as the leader who guided the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt during the Exodus and as the prophet who received the Torah, the foundational text that includes the laws and teachings central to Jewish identity and practice. His leadership during the Exodus is seen as a transformative event in Jewish history, marking the transition of the Israelites from bondage to freedom and the formation of a covenant relationship with God.

Receiving the Torah at Mount Sinai is particularly significant, as it includes the Ten Commandments and other laws that form the basis of Jewish ethical and religious life. This event is commemorated annually during the festival of Shavuot, which celebrates the giving of the Torah.

In contrast, founding Jerusalem is attributed to King David, while the authorship of the Psalms is often connected to multiple figures, including King David. The establishment of rabbinical schools occurred much later in Jewish history, particularly during the development of Rabbinic Judaism after the destruction of the Second Temple.