Could you provide a brief outline of what the Torah contains?

Sure... The Torah was written in the late Bronze Age (which ran from 3300BC to 1200BC). It is believed (by some) to be divinely written/inspired by the first monotheistic God who reveals wisdom through story and law as to how God wants humans to live.

Genesis

• Creation, including Adam and Eve
• Garden of Eden
• Noah and the Flood
• City/Tower of Babel
• Abraham
• Isaac
• Jacob
• Joseph

Exodus

• The Exodus from Egypt (Moses, Pharoah, Plagues, Red Sea, etc.)
• The Ten Statements (Commandments)
• The Tabernacle
• The Golden Calf

Leviticus

• Sacrifices
• Priesthood
• Kosher and other "cleanliness" laws
• Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)
• Holiness code (more laws)

Numbers

• The Israelites in the Wilderness (post Ten Commandments)
• The Journey to the Promised Land
• Ends at the Jordan River
• (The Promised Land narrative continues in the book of Joshua)

Deuteronomy

• Speeches by Moses
• Songs and Blessings by Moses
• Passing of the mantle to Joshua
• Death of Moses