What Are the Parameters of the Mitzvah of Limud Hatorah?

Rav Chaim Weg

Question: Most mitzvos, such as lulav and tefillin, have clear parameters. What are the parameters of the mitzvah of limud haTorah? 

Answer: The mitzvah of talmud Torah is an obligation for every individual to learn Torah both every day and every night. If a person is extremely busy, he can fulfill the obligation by reciting Kriyas Shema in the morning and at night. The Ohr Somayach explains that Kriyas Shema is not only a portion of the Torah, it also contains a commitment of dedication to the Torah. By reiterating that commitment to Torah, one can fulfill his obligation to learn Torah in the morning and in the evening.

However, the correct way to fulfill the obligation of limud haTorah is to be “kovea itim” by having set times to learn Torah every morning and evening. 

Even if a person is kovea itim, however, he shouldn’t think that he has completed his obligation to learn Torah. Whenever a person has free time throughout the day, when he is not busy making a living or with other personal responsibilities, he is obligated to learn Torah. The Mishnah Berurah says that if one thinks he only has to be kovea itim and does not learn when he has spare time, he is “close” to being categorized as a “devar Hashem bazah” (one who disdains the word of Hashem).