Daily Halacha - Laws of Shavuot, 5th of Sivan 5777

What is the proper study schedule on Shavuot?

Shabbat and holidays were given to Israel only for the purpose of engaging in Torah study [Jerusalem Talmud Shabbat 15:3]. Even if one studied all night, one should be careful to study during the day as well. Rabbi Chaim ben Attar wrote [Rishon LeTzion Beitzah 15, Bach 252, Kaf HaChaim 529] that if one dedicates less than half the day to Hashem, it is considered theft.

It is customary for Jews to read the Azharot composed by Rabbi Shlomo ibn Gabirol and similar texts. It is even better to study Rambam's Sefer HaMitzvot, both the positive and negative commandments, and one should strive to develop some new Torah insight in explaining the words of the early authorities. This is a good sign to begin innovating Torah insights on the day of the giving of the Torah for the entire year. If one is not capable of this, one should try to hear a new insight that was not known before [Yalkut Yosef Siman 494].

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