Halachot and Customs
Setting Fixed Times for Torah Study
Question
Hello, rabbi.
I do not consider myself religious, but I am a very believing person, and I hope, with Hashem's help, to strengthen myself in faith and in observance of the mitzvot in the future. It is not easy, but I hope my time will come. My question is: I wanted to know what exactly is considered setting fixed times for Torah study, and how I can begin with the first steps in this matter. Does listening to a rabbi's lecture count as Torah study? Does listening to a sermon or halachot count as Torah study? Is it possible to do this from home? From your website? I would appreciate guidance.
Thank you very much.
Answer
To the esteemed questioner,
Please forgive the delay in responding.
You are praiseworthy for taking steps to strengthen yourself; and may it be Hashem's will that you merit to see how Hashem helps you move forward! The matter of "setting fixed times for Torah study" is an obligation to study something from the Torah every morning and every evening, in a fixed and ongoing manner. For this purpose, one may listen to a class - even on a website - one may learn a new halacha, or study a sefer at home. As long as you learn something new in Torah during that half day, you fulfill the matter of setting fixed times for Torah study - provided that you do so every day. However, it is better if you can study together with someone at the same time every day, which is called "study with a chevruta," because our Sages have already said that the understanding of someone who learns together with another Jew is far greater in level and clarity than that of one who learns only by himself. And if you are interested in receiving advice or guidance in finding a suitable chevruta - someone who can learn with you by telephone - and at whatever time you want, or for further information on the subject of setting fixed times for Torah study, please contact us by telephone.
With blessing, Rabbi Nachum
