Torah Study - Part 3

00:00 Behemshech, in reference to the earlier installments regarding the setting up designated times for Torah study on a daily basis, we now continue with installment number three, where we refer to two sifres of the Rebbe. One, which was delivered on Rishchedish Nissan Tov Shin Mem 1980, and the second on Shabbos Parches Vayigash Tov Shin Nun 1990. In the first sifre, the Rebbe elaborates that in the same sense that when someone who learns in Kalel needs to submit a report describing their progress in the study of Torah, likewise a businessman should submit a report describing the progress in the study of Torah. Rebbe said the following, It is proper that the students of the Kalel should submit a report describing their progress in the study of Torah. The need for such a report will bring about progress in Torah study. We see that people can be influenced to apply themselves more to their studies when they know that they must report to someone. As Rabbi Yechanah ben Zachai declares, may your fear of heaven be as your fear of man. Other Kalels who follow this suggestion or test their students in some manner or form have seen good results. The intent of the report is to force them to be objective. When a person is left to himself, it is possible that his yetzahar will deceive him. The yetzahar is crafty and does not appear coarse. The yetzahar tries to deceive us in a refined manner. However, if we have to report to someone else, there is

02:05 less chance that we will be deceived. Hence, it would be proper for the Kalel students to fill out a questionnaire similar to one that was used a number of years ago. A similar suggestion is appropriate for those who have fixed times for Torah study, although they don't learn in Kalel. During their fixed times of study, their state of mind should approach that of a Kalel student. Hence, it is also proper for them to give in reports of their studies. This in turn will enhance their success and help lead to the fulfillment of the prophecy. And the world will be filled with the knowledge of Hashem as the sea fills up the ocean. With the coming of Mashiach, who will teach Torah to the entire nation from young to old. Now, we get to the second sikha. In the following sikha, Shabbos Vayigash, the Rebbe stresses the fact how there needs to be a blend between businessmen and Torah students, whereas both groups fulfill Torah study and tzedakah. The Rebbe said the following as it is translated here in English and as we read earlier from the translation in English, which both sikhas were translated by sikhas in English. In particular, we find that Yidden are frequently conceived of in two groupings. Yisachar, students of Torah, and Zvun, businessmen who are involved in the performance of good deeds. The divisions between these categories must be nullified. The businessmen must steal time from their occupation to study Torah. And the students of Torah must increase their gifts

04:16 to tzedakah, giving freely and generously. Even in the past, these categories never represented hard and fast divisions. Students of Torah must occupy themselves with deeds of kindness as our sages declared, As the tractate mentions it in Yevamus. Whoever says all I have is Torah does not even have Torah. Conversely, even businessmen are required to fix times for Torah study. In the previous ages, however, each person had a particular thrust of service with which he was predominantly occupied. In the present age, to complete the final preparations for the redemption, even these distinctions have to be nullified. Businessmen have to establish many times for Torah study until their efforts parallel those of Torah scholars. Similarly, Torah scholars must give to charity over and above their limits as do businessmen. The unity brought about through these efforts will have an effect in the world at large and hasten the establishment of Achdus Yisrael everywhere. Then we will proceed with our sons and daughters, the entire Am Yisrael joined together as we leave the exile in the ultimate and complete redemption.