Torah Study for Those Who Engage in Commerce

תורה צוה לנו משה, מורשה קהלת יעקב.

The Torah was given to the Jewish Nation as a cherished inheritance. It is the responsibility of every Jew to ensure that this gift is kept intact and passed on to the next generation. To the best of his ability, he must learn the Torah and know it fluently, and teach it to his children and students. One who cannot learn himself due to his circumstances must use his resources to support others in their Torah study. In this way, the Torah continues to live within the hearts of the Jewish Nation and will do so forever.

TORAH AND DERECH ERETZ

Ever since we received the Torah at Sinai, studying Torah has been the pastime of our nation. We’ve been referred to by the nations as the People of the Book because Jews in every situation were always primarily occupied with the study of the Torah. Indeed, the Torah urges us many times to be thoroughly fluent with all of the Torah’s precepts and warns against forgetting any of its details. Thus we find in Sefer Yehoshua (1:8), "this book of the Torah shall not move from your lips, and you shall ponder it day and night." According to Rabi Shimon Bar Yochai (Brachos 35b), this exhortation leaves no room for any other endeavor at all, even the pursuit of a livelihood. On the other hand, Rabi Yishmael insists that Derech Eretz, the pursuit of a livelihood and other basic necessities, is not a dereliction of the constancy of Torah study. Moreover, Rabi Shimon himself (Yoma 98b) contends that in certain situations even a minute amount of study, such as the reading of the Shema, can be a fulfillment of one’s obligation. Finding the proper balance is one of the most formidable tasks required of every Jew.

DECIDING WHAT TO LEARN

Related to the decision of how much time one should spend studying Torah is the question of how that time should be spent. Chazal generalize that one should divide his time between Mikrah, Mishna, and Gemara. The Rishonim take different approaches in defining these categories, as well as in how to implement this syllabus. Of course, the relevancy of learning programs such as Daf HaYomi need to be examined from the perspective of Halacha.

SUPPORTING TORAH STUDY

Long before the Torah was given, it was foretold that partnerships would exist between those studying the Torah and those who would support them. The prime example of this relationship was the one between Shevet Yissachar and Shevet Zevulun. Even without a formal agreement, the support of a Torah scholar is a fulfillment of the mitzvah of cleaving to Hashem. Their support takes precedence over most other forms of Tzedakah. When it takes the form of a partnership, it has Choshen Mishpat ramifications as well; these will be discussed in the final section.