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Introduction to Torah Study
Studying Torah is a basic requirement for all Jews and such study is considered to be a prestigious commandment (Torah study is as important as doing all the other mitzvot: talmud Torah k'negged kulam). Setting time for Torah study (k'viat zman l'Torah) means that we show how important Torah study is by setting a specific time each day and a specific duration for such study.
But all commandments that you must do (mitzvot aseh) take precedence over studying Torah. That is, you may NOT ignore the need to do another positive commandment because you are studying!
But all commandments that you must do (mitzvot aseh) take precedence over studying Torah. That is, you may NOT ignore the need to do another positive commandment because you are studying!
Minimum Required Torah Study
The minimum requirements for Jews to learn:-
Men: All parts of the Torah plus whatever halacha is relevant for them.
Note The most important subjects for men to study are whatever is practical for them in their lives
- Women: All halachot relevant for them, and hashkafa.
When Saying Torah Blessing
When called to the Torah, either:
- Say the blessing while looking to the side of the Torah, or
- Roll the Torah together before you say the blessing.
Birkat HaMazon: Torah Source
The source of birkat ha'mazon is Deuteronomy/Devarim 8:10: You will eat and be satiated and bless Hashem, your God, for the good land that He gave you.
Attire: Blessings and Torah Study
The minimum attire required for saying blessings or studying Torah is shorts for men and a covered torso for women. But more of your body may need to be covered due to location and circumstances. For example, if men are in view, women's tzni'ut rules take over since they are more restrictive.
Women: Blessings over Torah
Women are required to say the blessings over the Torah (birchot haTorah) before studying Torah or before praying.
Women Dancing with Torah Scroll
Women should not dance with a Torah scroll.
Women Reading from Torah Scroll
Women may read from the Torah scroll when no men are around. They may say only the first blessing over the Torah and only if they forgot to say that blessing in the morning. They may not say the second blessing.
Who Is Main Torah Teacher (Rav Muvhak)
It is theoretically possible--but highly unlikely--to have one main teacher (rav muvhak) who taught you most of your Torah knowledge. However, a rav muvhak might exist for a person who was not brought up religiously observant and did not have a traditional Jewish education.
Who Is a Torah Scholar
Who is a Torah scholar? It depends on location and era. Someone with minimal Jewish knowledge may be considered a scholar if no one else knows as much.
Shmini Atzeret/Simchat Torah: What Time To Start: Ma'ariv and Kiddush
Ma'ariv on Shmini Atzeret and on Simchat Torah may be said from 1 1/4 hours before sunset. Kiddush must be said after dark.
Fence (Syag) around the Torah
Making a “fence” (“syag”) around the Torah means to avoid activities and situations that might lead to actions that are improper or not allowed by Torah law.
Owning Business that Violates Torah Law
Owning a business that has any violations of Torah laws is forbidden.
Examples A Jew may NOT:
- Own a non-kosher restaurant that sells food containing meat and milk that have been cooked together.
- Own or operate a business that is open on Shabbat or Jewish festivals.
Shir HaMa'alot as Torah
Saying shir ha'ma'alot before birkat ha'mazon fulfills the custom to say Torah at the meal.
How Loud To Say Torah Blessings
Say the blessings over the Torah loudly enough for everyone to hear and respond “amen.”
To Lift Up the Torah
To lift up the Torah:
- Grip the handles close to the plate at the top of the lower handles.
- Roll the Torah so that three columns are exposed and one of the seams is between the two rollers (this is a custom).
- Lever up the Torah (you may slide the Torah down the table toward yourself if that makes it easier).
- Show the Torah to people on your right and then on your left.
If you want to turn in a circle, turn to counter-clockwise as seen from above.
- At the end of rolling (glila) closed the Torah, there should be a seam between the two rods on which the Torah is rolled (such that if it were to tear, it would likely tear at the seam and no words of Torah would be torn).