The Ultimate Guide to Strengthening Your Connection: Even One Minute of Torah Study Makes a Difference

Sometimes, individuals underestimate the immense value of even a brief period of Torah study. The evil inclination suggests that only those who are fully immersed in study all day can truly be called 'people of the Torah.' However, every minute of Torah study is undeniably priceless.

The power of spiritual acts is often beyond comprehension. Rabbi Eliyahu Lopian cited the sage of Kelm, noting that "It was worthwhile for Hashem to create the world for six thousand years so that a Jew could say 'Blessed is He and blessed is His name' even once during that time. A thousand times saying 'Blessed is He and blessed is His name' does not match the importance of responding 'Amen' even once. A thousand 'Amens' do not match the merit of saying 'Amen, yehei shmei rabba' even once. And a thousand of those don't come close to the merit of one word of Torah study."

Many teachings highlight the power of a single word of Torah learning. With these insights in mind, it's difficult to grasp the reward one might receive from even a single word. Engaging in actions like honoring parents, observing Shabbat, doing acts of kindness, and avoiding sin can be exponentially enriched by adding a few minutes of daily Torah study.

The mitzvah "And you shall meditate on it day and night" requires Jews to study Torah round the clock. In his book 'Toras HaBayis,' the Chofetz Chaim explains that in one minute, a person can say 200 words of Torah, thereby fulfilling 200 mitzvot in a single minute. Over an hour, this could add up to 12,000 mitzvot!

Imagine the wealth accumulated by someone who studies for several hours daily. From the eternal perspective, such a person is truly rich.

Certain times hold even greater potential. The Chida writes that one minute of Torah study on Shabbat equals 1,000 minutes on a weekday, and an hour equals 1,000 hours, as Shabbat belongs to a higher spiritual dimension, flowing differently from other weekdays.

Similarly, studying Torah in a generation where few do so, or at times others do not study (like vacations, Shabbat evenings, or nights), earns immense spiritual reward due to scarcity. As stated in the Yalkut Shimoni: "Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai said, if you see a generation slackening in Torah, stand firm and uphold it, and you receive everyone's reward."

When studying in a group, each participant's reward multiplies by the number of people present. As the S'dei Chemed stated, "Group study multiplies the reward based on the number of learners, as in a collective mitzvah, each receives a reward as if performed alone."

The Chofetz Chaim wrote about group learning, noting its tremendous merit as it sanctifies God's name publicly. Hence, a Kaddish is recited after group study.

Similarly, studying despite hardship, such as financial struggles or health issues, multiplies one's reward by 100. As stated in Avos D’Rabbi Nosson, "If you study Torah during ease, do not cease during hardship. A single act of study under duress is worth more than a hundred with ease."

A quick calculation reveals that one's time can contain treasures of rewards, beyond human description.

A wise person should resist worldly temptations, not let appearances obscure truth, but set daily time for Torah study, maximizing precious moments with eternal value.

Joining a regular study session is highly recommended for spiritual growth. If unattainable, the Torah Learning page offers numerous videos and written Torah content to fit your schedule. Good luck!

Adapted from the remarkable book 'Keys to Life,' by Rabbi Zamir Cohen.