Astonishing Insight: Rabbi Edelstein's Message on Studying Torah for Half an Hour a Day

Full-time workers return home exhausted. How can they even think about studying Torah? "Do you have half an hour a day?" asks the great leader of our generation.

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Rabbi Gershon Edelstein, the head of the Ponevezh Yeshiva and President of the Council of Torah Sages of Degel HaTorah, discussed in his weekly talk the significance of studying Torah according to one's personal capacity. He explained that, according to Jewish law, a person who is classified as a 'rabbanan' and dedicates themselves to Torah study is exempt from paying protective taxes to the authorities, as it is the Torah that offers protection.

"The Rosh wrote that even someone who cannot learn all day and works in a trade to support their family, but finds some time to study and doesn't idle away their time, is also considered 'rabbanan' and is exempt from the protective tax, because their Torah protects them. This is a definitive ruling in 'Yoreh De'ah' (Chapter 243)," Rabbi Edelstein stated.

He emphasized that a person's spiritual level isn't determined by the amount of time they spend learning Torah but by how well they utilize their available strength for Torah study. He said, "It's not about how much time one dedicates to learning but whether they study according to their capacity without idling. If someone studies many hours but could learn a bit more and chooses not to, they lose this privilege and are not considered 'rabbanan.' Therefore, one's level depends on their circumstances, and it is possible for someone who studies half an hour a day to be 'rabbanan.'"

Rabbi Edelstein noted that according to the Rema and the Chazon Ish, the exemption from the protection tax applies only to a Torah scholar well-versed in Jewish law and most of the Talmud with its interpretations. However, the Maharam of Siftei DeMariv writes that "anyone studying Torah according to their understanding, if they do so to the best of their ability without idling, is exempt from the tax" (Choshen Mishpat Chapter 361, noted in the Shach in Choshen Mishpat Chapter 163).

"It's known that Rabbi Yisrael Salanter was asked about someone who has only half an hour to study, whether they should learn Gemara or Musar. Rabbi Yisrael responded they should study Musar, as this would help them realize they have another half an hour."

The rabbi addressed those committed to their livelihoods who might genuinely believe they have no free time for Torah study but encouraged self-reflection, as they could likely find half an hour each day that is free.

"Therefore, attention should be given to utilizing time and strength appropriately, based on one's abilities, but not more than their strength allows, as it could be detrimental to their health. If one uses their time completely in the path of Torah, then blessed are they in this world!" Rabbi Edelstein concluded.

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Read also:

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תגיות:Torah study Rabbi Edelstein Jewish law

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