171. Daily Torah Study

27:1 One should establish a fixed time for Torah study after prayers. This session must be taken very seriously and not be skipped, even for what one thinks is a big business deal. If one must deal with a pressing matter, he should first study at least one verse or one law, go deal with the urgent matter, then return to complete his regular studies. In some communities, groups meet to study Torah together immediately after prayers and it is appropriate for one to join them in this. 27:2 Every Jewish man whether poor or rich, healthy or sickly, young or old, is obligated to study Torah. Even a poor person who must beg for food must establish for himself a time for Torah study both day and at night, as per Joshua 1:8, “You shall think about it day and night.” One who does not know how to study or who is not able to because of distractions, should provide support for others who study. This is considered as if one studied himself, as the Midrash explains Deuteronomy 33:18: “Rejoice, Zevulun, when you go out and Yissachar, in your tents.” The Tribe of Zevulun engaed in business and supported the Tribe of Yissachar, who engaged in Torah study. The verse therefore puts Zevulun ahead of Yissacher, since they were the ones who enabled Yissacher to study Torah in the first place. Similarly, the mishna in Zevachim (1:2) refers to “Shimon, the brother of Azariah.” We are told that Shimon was called by his brother’s name because Azariah supported him and enabled him to study Torah. Nevertheless, everyone should make an effort to study Torah, even a small amount, every day and every night.