Inspiring Wisdom: Rabbi Edelstein on Learning Torah for Just Half an Hour a Day

Rabbi Gershon Edelstein, head of the Ponevezh Yeshiva and president of the Council of Torah Sages of Degel HaTorah, spoke in his weekly lecture about a foundational idea in Jewish life: Torah study is measured not by hours alone, but by how sincerely a person uses their abilities.

He explained that according to Jewish law, a person who is considered a “Rabbanan” and engages in Torah study is exempt from paying a protection tax that was historically imposed by governing authorities. The reason is that Torah itself serves as spiritual protection.

Who Is Considered a “Rabbanan”?

Rabbi Edelstein cited the words of the Rosh, who taught that even someone who cannot learn Torah all day because they must work to support their family can still be called a “Rabbanan.” If such a person sets aside whatever time they do have to learn and does not waste it, their Torah study protects them as well.

This ruling is brought as a clear halachic decision in Yoreh De’ah, Siman 263. According to this view, the title “Rabbanan” does not belong only to full time scholars, but also to working individuals who are faithful with the time they are able to dedicate to learning.

It Is About Effort, Not Hours

Rabbi Edelstein emphasized that a person’s spiritual level is not determined by how many hours they learn, but by whether they are learning to the best of their ability.

He explained that if someone studies for many hours but could reasonably learn more and chooses not to, that person loses this special status. On the other hand, someone who only has half an hour a day, but truly uses that time well, can be considered a “Rabbanan.”

Each person is judged according to their own circumstances, strength, and responsibilities.

Different Halachic Opinions

The Rabbi noted that according to the Rema and the Chazon Ish, the exemption from the protection tax applies only to a scholar who is highly knowledgeable in Jewish law and most of the Talmud and its commentaries.

However, Maharam Schick writes more broadly that anyone who learns Torah according to their level of understanding and makes full use of their available time is exempt. This ruling appears in Choshen Mishpat Siman 661 and is cited by the Shach in Choshen Mishpat Siman 163.

A Teaching from Rabbi Yisrael Salanter

Rabbi Edelstein also shared a well known teaching from Rabbi Yisrael Salanter. When Rabbi Yisrael was asked what a person should study if they only have half an hour a day, Gemara or Mussar, he answered that they should study Mussar.

Why? Because Mussar would help them realize that they actually have another half hour available.

Finding Time Where We Think There Is None

The Rabbi observed that many people who are busy earning a living sincerely believe they have no time at all for Torah study. But with honest reflection, most people can find at least a small window of time in their day that can be dedicated to learning.

Using Time Wisely and with Balance

Rabbi Edelstein concluded by emphasizing the importance of using one’s time and energy wisely, always according to one’s strength and capacity. Pushing beyond what the body can handle is unhealthy, but wasting available time is a missed opportunity.

When a person truly makes use of their time in the path of Torah, Rabbi Edelstein said, “Blessed are you in this world.”