Chapter 19: Birchas Hatorah

See our corresponding Sefer “Awaking like a Jew” for the full details of this subject!

1. The importance of reciting the blessing over Torah study:

One must be very careful to recite the blessing of Birchas Hatorah.

The punishment received for being lax in this blessing: The land of Israel was made desolate due to that [the Torah sages and their students] were not careful to recite this blessing prior to their learning. The reason they were lax in reciting the blessing is because the learning of Torah was not held in their eyes to such esteem to require a blessing, and therefore they were negligent in its recital. Thus, although they learned a lot of Torah, the Torah did not protect them. Therefore, every person must be careful that the Torah, which is the object of pleasure which G-d joyfully engages in daily, be of importance in his eyes.

Saying the blessing with joy: The Torah is to be of such importance in one’s eyes that he recites the blessing with greater joy than any other worldly pleasure. This joy reflects that one is learning Torah “Leshma”, for the proper motif [which is to unite with G-d].

The reward: One who recites the blessing over Torah in such a manner will merit that which he prays for in the blessing, that his descendants will also continue to learn Torah in such a faithful manner, and thus the learning of Torah will not cease from his family line. [On the other hand, one who is not careful in this will not merit seeing his descendants follow this path.]

The Bach-The true reason behind learning Torah and the punishment for lack of the blessing: The famous codifier, the Bach, writes the following in his Halachic commentary on the Tur, [chapter 47]: Why did G-d give such a severe punishment simply for not saying the blessing prior to learning Torah? Isn’t this a merely minor sin? The explanation is as follows: The purpose of Hashem commanding us to learn Torah is for us to attach our souls to the Atzmus, spirituality and holiness of the source of the Torah, [which is G-d]. Therefore, Hashem gave us the Torah, so we attach all our 248 limbs and 365 sinews to the 248 positive commands and 365 negative commands. If one learns Torah with this intent, he will become a chariot and chamber for the Divine presence, as the Shechina itself becomes invested within ones soul and he would thereby make a dwelling place for G-d below. If, however, one does not learn Torah for this purpose, but rather for personal gain, then it causes the Shechina to be repelled from the earth which consequently causes the land to become desolate.

Segula for memory: Reciting the blessing over Torah with proper concentration is a Segula to not forget one’s learning.

Is Birchas Hatorah of Biblical or Rabbinical origin? The Gemara asks: From where do we learn that Birchas Hatorah is Biblical? As the verse states “As I will call the name of Hashem, bring greatness to our G-d”. Many Poskim learn from this Gemara that Birchas Hatorah is a Biblical command. Others however learn it is of Rabbinical origin and the above statement of the Gemara is merely to find support of the Rabbinical decree within scripture. According to all, women are not Biblically obligated to recite Birchas Hatorah even according to those opinions that hold Birchas Hatorah is Biblical.

If one is unsure whether he recited Birchas Hatorah, is he to recite the blessing? Some Poskim  rule one is to recite the blessing of Birchas Hatorah in a case that he is in doubt if he recited it.  Others rule it is not to be recited. Practically one is not to repeat the blessing.  If one did not yet Daven he should have in mind to fulfill his obligation in Davening.  In such a case it is permitted for him to learn Torah prior to Davening.  Alternatively, one should hear the blessing from someone else.  Alternatively, one is to receive an Aliya to the Torah.  This law applies whether one is in doubt as to if he said any of the three blessings or only one of the three blessings; in either case he is not to repeat any blessing of which there is a doubt.  According to all, women are not to recite Birchas Hatorah if they are in doubt if they said it.

Bar Mitzvah boy repeating Birchas Hatorah on night of Bar Mitzvah: It is questionable whether a child is required to say Birchas Hatorah on the night of his Bar Mitzvah prior to learning Torah.  Accordingly, it is proper for the child to Daven Maariv immediately after nightfall on the night of his Bar Mitzvah and intend to fulfill the Mitzvah of Birchas Hatorah with his recital of the blessing of Ahavas Olam, and Shema, and to then learn Torah immediately after the prayers.

If one does not plan to learn Torah that day, must/should he still say Birchas Hatorah? Yes, as according to some Poskim it is viewed as similar to the morning blessings which is a daily requirement past Alos, and includes a blessing of Shevach just like the other morning blessings.

2. The Nussach:

Birchas Hatorah consists of three blessings:

• The blessing of “Al Divreiy Torah”. [This blessing is considered Birchas Hamitzvah, just like one recites a blessing prior to every Mitzvah.]
• The blessing of “Viharev Na”. [This blessing is considered Birchas Hanehnin, just like one recites a blessing prior to every pleasure.]
• The blessing of “Asher Bachar Banu”. [This blessing is considered Birchas Hashevach, just like one praises, Hashem during the morning blessings. This blessing is considered the greatest of the three.]

“Al Divrei” versus “Laasok”:  The Nussach of the blessing is “Asher Kidishanu Bemitzvosav Vetzivanu Al Divreiy Torah.”  However, there are those who are accustomed to say “Laasok Bedivrei Torah.” 

May a convert recite the blessing of “Asher Bachar Banu”? Yes.

Reciting the words Anachnu Vitzetzaeiynu with intense concentration: Upon reciting the words which bequest from Hashem to bestow the learning of Torah to our descendants one is to add in concentration and supplication. This likewise applies when reciting the prayer for our descendants in the blessing of Ahavas Olam and Uva Letziyon. A father and mother is to always add in prayer for their children to be learners of Torah, Tzaddikim and have good character traits.

Must one stand upon reciting Birchas Hatorah? One is to stand when reciting the blessing, and so is the custom of Jewry.

What is the law if one preceded one of the later blessings; may the previous blessings still be recited? Example: One recited the blessing of Asher Bachar Banu prior to Al Divreiy Torah. One is to say the previous blessings that were not yet said, as the order of which the three blessings are to be said is not crucial.

3. Does one answer Amen after hearing someone recite the blessing of Al Divrei Torah?

One who hears another person reciting Birchas Hatorah is to answer amen after each of the three blessings, including after the first blessing of Al Divreiy Torah, prior to Veharev Nah.

May one speak or make an interval between the blessings of Al Divrei Torah and Viharev Nah? One may answer Amen between these blessings. However, one may not make an interval for other matters being that initially one is to learn Torah immediately after the blessings, without making an interval in-between, as will be explained in Halacha 5.

4. May one learn Torah prior to reciting Birchas Hatorah?

It is forbidden to verbalize any words of Torah with one’s mouth prior to reciting the blessing of Birchas Hatorah. This applies individually towards Scripture, Mishna, Talmud, Midrash, as all the above is considered Torah and was given to Moses on Sinai.

May one think Torah thoughts prior to reciting the blessing? It is permitted to think words of Torah prior to reciting the blessing. [However, one is not to think words of Torah while still lying in bed after awakening.  Some Poskim rule one may not enter into deep thought, contemplation and analyzation of Torah, prior to Birchas Hatorah, even if he does not verbalize the words.]

May one answer a Halachic question prior to reciting Birchas Hatorah? One may give a Halachic ruling, without explanation to its reason, prior to reciting Birchas Hatorah.

May one write words of Torah prior to reciting the blessing?  One may not write words of Torah prior to reciting Birchas Hatorah. If, however, one is not paying attention to the words that he is writing, as is sometimes the case when one is copying something over into writing, then one may write over words of Torah before saying the blessing. Similarly, if one is writing a letter to a friend, he may write verses for the sake of formality of the letter, before saying the blessing, as he has no intention to do so for the sake of learning.

May one recite verses of Torah that are within a prayer or song prior to reciting the blessings:  It is proper to recite Birchas Hatorah prior to reciting any verse of scripture, even if the verse is being recited as part of a prayer, song, or supplication. [Practically one may be lenient in a time of need to recite these verses prior to Birchas Hatorah.] It is forbidden to recite the Parshas Hatamid [said within the morning Karbanos] prior to Birchas Hatorah.

May one learn Torah if he has in mind not to fulfill the Mitzvah of learning Torah? Seemingly not as a) Perhaps it is forbidden to learn not for limud. B) It is no different than shema and the like.

May one learn Kabala prior to reciting Birchas Hatorah? No. However, there are Poskim which leave this matter in question.

May one read stories of Tzaddikim before Birchas Hatorah? Yes.

May a Rebbe teach Alef Beis prior to Birchas Hatorah? No.

May one read words of the oral Torah prior to Birchas Hatorah if he does not understand what he is reading? This matter requires further analysis.

May one listen to words of Torah prior to Birchas Hatorah? Example: May one listen to a Shiur? May one listen to another person’s Torah explanation? Some Poskim rule one may not listen to a person saying words of Torah prior to reciting Birchas Hatorah. Others rule that it is permitted. Practically one is to be stringent to recite Birchas Hatorah, and then verbalize some Torah, prior to listening to someone recite words of Torah. This law applies regardless of the source of the Torah words, whether a man, woman, or child. Furthermore, some write this law applies even to a Torah lesson playing on a CD, radio or tape machine. Others however question whether it is forbidden to hear words of Torah from a recording. This however only applies if one is trying to listen to the Torah words, as opposed to one who is hearing it but not paying attention. 

May a sofer Stam write in the morning prior to saying Birchas Hatorah? One is to be stringent not to write Stam until he says Birchas Hatorah and says the verse of Yivarechicha. 

May one sing songs that contain verses prior to Birchas Hatorah? One is initially to be stringent to recite Birchas Hatorah beforehand. However, if one stayed awake the entire night there is room to be lenient. Thus, those that dance the entire night during Simchas Beis Hashoeiva, may continue singing past Alos if they did not sleep that night.

May one say Shema prior to Birchas Hatorah-Birchas Hatorah by Mivtza Tefillin? Initially, one is to recite Birchas Hatorah prior to the recital of Shema. However, in a time of need, such as if Zman Kerias Shema is passing, one may say it prior to reciting Birchas Hatorah.  Accordingly, by Mivtza Tefillin it is proper for the individual to also recite Birchas Hatorah prior to saying Shema, if he has yet to say it that day.

May one say Tehillim prior to Birchas Hatorah? This follows the same ruling mentioned in the Halacha above regarding reciting verses of scripture for the sake of prayer, in which Admur rules that there are communities which are lenient to permit reciting it prior to Birchas Hatorah, although it is a more proper custom to recite Birchas Hatorah prior to reading any verse from scripture.

What is one to do if he heard the congregation reciting Shema prior to reciting Birchas Hatorah? One is to say the first verse of Shema together with the congregation even though he has not yet recited the blessing over Torah.

May one recite blessings prior to Birchas Hatorah? Yes. 

May one answer Kaddish or Kedusha prior to Birchas Hatorah? Yes. 

May one recite the 13 attributes together with the Minyan prior to Birchas Hatorah? Yes.

May one answer to Kaddish or Kedusha if he is the middle of Birchas Hatorah? One may stop between the first and second blessing, and second and third blessings in order to answer. One may not stop in middle of the first blessing if he already recited the name of Hashem. One who is in the middle of saying the second blessing of “Viharev Nah” may stop to answer for any Amen, Kaddish or Kedusha [if he has not yet said G-d’s name in the end of the blessing]. If one stopped to answer directly prior to saying the closing statement [starting from Baruch], then one needs to repeat a few words prior to saying it.   

May one receive an Aliya to the Torah if he has not yet recited Birchas Hatorah? Yes. He is to recite the blessing of Asher Bachar Banu and read along inside together with the reader.  After the Aliya he is to recite the two blessings of Al Divrei Torah and Viharev Nah [prior to learning Torah]. However, the blessing of Asher Bachar Banu is not to be repeated afterwards. Hence as soon as he concludes the second blessing, he is to immediately recite the customary Birchas Kohanim. Nevertheless, initially, before the Aliya the person is to quickly recite the first two blessings of Al Divreiy Torah and Viharev Nah, and then continue aloud with the blessing of Asher Bachar Banu said on the Torah. Likewise, when reciting the blessing of Asher Bachar Banu he is to have in mind to fulfill his obligation of Birchas Hatorah with this blessing. 

May one listen to Kerias Hatorah prior to saying Birchas Hatorah? No.

Can one be a Baal Korei prior to saying Birchas Hatorah? No.

May one recite words of Torah if he only recited one of the three blessings of Birchas Hatorah? In a time of need one may do so. Nevertheless, initially one must recite all three blessings prior to learning Torah, as established the Sages.

May one do a Mitzvah prior to Birchas Hatorah? Yes. However, one may not say any verses that are normally recited when doing the Mitzvah.

5. Must one learn Torah immediately after reciting the blessing?

It is proper to beware to learn Torah immediately after reciting Birchas Hatorah and not to make any interval between the blessing and the learning. For this reason, the custom is to recite the verses of Birchas Kohanim immediately after reciting the blessings over Torah. [One is thus not to delay at all the saying of Birchas Kohanim after Birchas Hatorah. If one made an interval between the blessing and the learning, he has nevertheless fulfilled his obligation and the blessing is not to be repeated.] 

6. What is one to learn after Birchas Hatorah?

The custom is to recite the verses of Birchas Kohanim [and the Mishna of Eilu Dvarim] immediately after reciting Birchas Hatorah, and through doing so one fulfills his obligation of learning Torah immediately after the blessing. Nevertheless, from the letter of the law one may learn any part of Torah, whether Scripture, Mishna, Talmud, or Midrash, as all the above is considered Torah and was given to Moses on Sinai. One is not to fulfill his obligation of learning Torah after Birchas Hatorah by writing words of Torah after the blessing, unless he verbalizes the words that he is writing. 

Where within prayer is one to recite Birchas Hatorah: Our custom, as written in the Siddur, is to recite Birchas Hatorah immediately after the morning blessings. The following is the ruling of Admur in the Shulchan Aruch regarding when the blessing is to be said. Some places have the custom to say the blessing over Torah study right before reciting the Tamid paragraph.  Others are accustomed to say it immediately after saying Asher Yatzar and Elokaiy Neshama, (or after Hagomel chassadim Tovim and the Yehi Ratzon). This is the more proper custom to follow [and so is the Nussach of the Siddur to say Birchas Hatorah after the Yehi Ratzon which concludes Birchas Hashachar].

Selichos: On days which selichos is recited one is to say the blessing of Birchas Hatorah prior to Selichos.

Is Birchas Hatorah to be recited at home or in Shul? Our custom is to recite it at home together with all the morning blessings, as explained in Chapter 8 Halacha 9.

What if one is a Baal Keri? One is to nevertheless say the blessing of Birchas Hatorah in order not to nullify the Mitzvah of learning Torah. 

7. Are women obligated to recite Birchas Hatorah?

Women are obligated  to recite Birchas Hatorah.

8. Is an uneducated Jew to recite Birchas Hatorah even if he is unable to understand the words of Torah?

Every Jew, including an uneducated Jew, is to recite Birchas Hatorah in the morning and then recite the verses of “Yivarechicha”.

Reciting Birchas Hatorah prior to a public Shiur: It is forbidden to learn Torah prior to reciting Birchas Hatorah. This applies even for an unlearned Jew. This applies even if one will only be hearing the Torah words said by another and not verbalizing it himself. Thus, it is proper for those who teach Torah classes to non-observant Jews to arrange prior to the start of the class for one of the participants to recite Birchas Hatorah aloud and fulfill the obligation for all the other participants. He should likewise say the verses of Yivarechicha, as is normally done, and not rely simply on the lesson being taught. [However, the teacher himself should not say the blessing on their behalf.] This applies to both classes attended by men or women. This applies whether the class is taking place by day or by night. Aside for fulfilling the Mitzvah and obligation of Birchas Hatorah through doing so, it also emphasizes to the participants that they are not learning any random wisdom, but the wisdom of G-d.

9. How often should Birchas Hatorah be recited?

The blessing over Torah study is recited only once a day, in the morning [as part of Birchas Hashachar], prior to beginning learning Torah that day. It is not recited again any other time that day, until the next morning.  This applies even if one stopped learning and did not have plans to continue learning any more that day, and then decided to learn again. Likewise, it applies even if one slept during the day and then decided to continue learning after awakening.

10. Is one to recite the blessing upon awakening at night if it is still before Alos/dawn?

One who woke up past midnight, before Alos, from a standard sleep, may recite Birchas Hatorah before Alos. He may not learn Torah prior to doing so.

What is the definition of a standard sleep versus a temporary sleep? A standard sleep refers to one who went to sleep for the night following his normal custom. Thus, if one went to sleep on a bed for a period of at least thirty minutes it is considered a standard sleep, and he is to recite Birchas Hatorah upon awakening past midnight. If, however, one slept on a chair and the like then even if he slept for many hours, it is considered a temporary sleep, and a blessing is not recited. See coming Q&A regarding if he fell asleep on his bed or couch and the like.

If one woke up at night from a standard sleep and plans to learn and return to sleep again after learning, is the blessing to be said after awakening the first time? If he planned to sleep for the night and happened to awaken in middle of the night, then he is to recite the blessing after awakening the first time, [if he woke up past midnight]. If, however, he went to sleep with intent to awaken in middle of the night in order to learn, then some Poskim rule he is to recite the blessing after awakening the first time, [if he woke up past midnight]. Others rule the blessing is to be recited after awakening the second time. Others rule the blessing is to be recited twice, once after awakening the first time and again after awakening the second time. According to all if one does not plan to return to sleep a standard sleep, or will not do so until after Alos, then he is to say the blessing after awakening the first time. [Practically, one should recite the blessing after the first time he awakens past midnight and not recite it again the second time.] 

If one fell asleep on the couch and the like, and then woke up, prior to Alos, must he recite Birchas Hatorah prior to learning? If it is prior to midnight, a blessing is not recited. If one woke up past midnight then some rule a blessing is not to be recited even if he slept for many hours, being that it is considered a temporary sleep, unless it is common for that person to sleep on his couch at night.

If one fell asleep on his bed at night is he to recite Birchas Hatorah upon awakening? If it is prior to midnight, a blessing is not recited. If one woke up past midnight, then if he slept for many hours, a blessing is to be recited prior to learning Torah. This applies even if one plans to return to sleep after learning. Nevertheless, in such a case, many Poskim rule that the blessing is only to be said upon awakening the second time, as explained above.

If one slept in his chair, such as one who is traveling on a plain or bus overnight, is he to recite Birchas Hatorah upon awakening before Alos? If he is unable to sleep in a bed that night, and hence this is his only available form of sleep, then if he slept for thirty minutes, and awakened past midnight, he is to recite Birchas Hatorah prior to learning. If he plans to return to sleep again before Alos, then this is subject to the dispute explained in the previous Q&A.

If one woke up in middle of the night and remembered he did not yet Daven Maariv, should he recite Birchas Hatorah prior to doing so? If it is prior to midnight, a blessing is not recited. If he woke up past midnight, then if he slept a standard sleep [as defined above], he is to recite Birchas Hatorah. This applies even if he plans to go to sleep a set sleep prior to Alos. Likewise, he is to wash his hands with a blessing upon awakening, prior to Davening.

If one awoke before midnight must the blessing be said after midnight before learning? If one slept a standard sleep [as defined above] and awakened before midnight, some Poskim rule he is to wait until midnight and then recite the blessing.

If one recited Birchas Hatorah after awakening prior to midnight what is the law? The blessing is not to be repeated again until the next day.

11. Is one to recite Birchas Hatorah if he did not sleep at night?

One is to recite Birchas Hatorah even if he did not sleep at all the previous night. [There is no need to try to hear the blessing from another person.] However, the blessing may only be said starting from Alos, just as is the law regarding Birchas Hashachar. [If, however, one slept at night a standard sleep then the blessing is recited even prior to Alos, if it is past midnight. If, however, he only slept a temporary sleep it is considered as if he has not slept at all, as explained in the previous Halacha, and thus the blessing may not be recited until Alos.]

Which Alos is one to follow with regards to saying Birchas Hatorah? One is to be stringent in this regard to follow the opinion which states that Alos begins 72 minutes prior to sunrise. One may learn Torah until this time arrives, even though it is past the Alos of other opinions [90 minutes and 120 minutes].

May one continue learning past Alos, prior to reciting Birchas Hatorah? One may not continue learning Torah past Alos [of 72 minutes], and thus he is to stop learning and recite Birchas Hatorah. However, some Poskim are lenient to allow one to continue learning past Alos, prior to saying Birchas Hatorah.

What is the law if one recited the blessing prior to Alos? The blessing must be repeated after Alos. However, there are Poskim that rule one is not to repeat the blessing a second time, and is rather to hear it from another person or have in mind to fulfill his obligation within prayer.

12. May one recite Birchas Hatorah after Shacharis?

Example-If one has already prayed Shacharis and then recalled that he forgot to say Birchas Hatorah, should it still be recited? Initially one is to recite Birchas Hatorah prior to Davening, if he does not plan to learn Torah immediately after Davening.  If one forgot to say the blessing prior to Davening, and has already Davened then if he read the Shema immediately after the blessing of Ahavas Olam he is not to say Birchas Hatorah any more that day. This applies even if he did not learn any Torah immediately after Davening. [Nevertheless, initially one who Davened without saying Birchas Hatorah is to learn Torah immediately after Davening, and hence fulfill his obligation according to all opinions.  If this is not possible, or one has already delayed learning after davening, then one should try to hear the blessing from someone else.] If one did not recite Shema immediately after Ahavas Olam, then he has not fulfilled his obligation of Birchas Hatorah, and is required to recite the blessing after Davening, prior to learning.

If one Davened without reciting Birchas Hatorah is he to omit all three blessings after Davening or only one of the blessings? All three blessings are omitted as they are all fulfilled within the blessing of Ahavas Olam.

If one Davened without reciting Birchas Hatorah is he to learn Torah immediately after Shemoneh Esrei or may he delay it until after Shacharis? One is not required to learn Torah immediately after Shemoneh Esrei and rather he may delay it until he completes Davening. After Davening he is then to immediately learn Torah.

Is listening to the Torah reading considered like one has learned Torah immediately after Davening? Yes.

If one is Davening past Zman Kerias Shema is the reading of the Shema considered like learning Torah immediately after Ahavas Olam? Yes. Thus, according to all in such a case he has fulfilled his obligation of Birchas Hatorah.

If one remembered in middle of Davening that he did not recite Birchas Hatorah what is he to do? If one remembers in middle of Pesukei Dezimra, or between Yishtabach and Barchu, then he is to stop and recite all three blessings of Birchas Hatorah, including the verses of Birchas Kohanim. If, however, he already began Birchas Shema then he may no longer stop to say it. Some Poskim rule he is to intend not to fulfill his obligation with Ahavas Olam and then recite Birchas Hatorah after Davening. Others however rule that one is to specifically intend to fulfill his obligation with Ahavas Olam and is to then learn Torah immediately after Davening. Practically one is to follow the latter opinion.

Does the blessing of Ahavas Olam in Maariv exempt the blessing of Birchas Hatorah? Some Poskim rule it has the same status as Ahavas Olam in Shacharis and hence exempts Birchas Hatorah afterwards. [Thus, one who woke up before Alos and remembered that he did not yet Daven Maariv, is to recite Birchas Hatorah prior to Davening, if it is past midnight.] Others however rule that it is not similar to the Ahavas Olam of Shacharis, and one does not fulfill his obligation with it.

Until what time may one recite Birchas Hatorah? If one did not Daven Shacharis or Maariv that day [i.e. an Onen, brought next], then Birchas Hatorah may be recited up until the time he goes to sleep.  It is forbidden to learn Torah until he says Birchas Hatorah. This applies even if he remembered at night [prior to Maariv]. After awakening the next morning from a standard sleep, he is to repeat the blessing as usual, even though it was recited a number of hours earlier at night. If, however, one already Davened Shacharis or Maariv, then the blessing is not to be said.

May an Onen recite Birchas Hatorah after the Kevurah? Yes. If he is still able to Daven Shacharis then it is to be recited prior to Shacharis. The Kevurah was at night:  He is to recite Birchas Hatorah prior to Maariv. After awakening the next morning from a standard sleep, he is to repeat the blessing as usual, even though it was recited a number of hours earlier at night.

13. Learning Torah and reciting Birchas Hatorah prior to washing ones hands upon awakening?

One must wash his hands prior to saying the blessing and speaking words of Torah. However, if there is no water available then he may recite Birchas Hatorah and learn without washing his hands although he is to clean his hands on rocks and the like [if he slept with parts of his body uncovered].

May one fulfill his obligation through hearing Birchas Hatorah said by another person? Yes. However, there are Poskim who learn in Admur that one does not fulfill his obligation unless it is said with a Minyan. One may fulfill his obligation of Birchas Hatorah through hearing the blessings said by a woman. However, there are Poskim who are stringent and rule one may not fulfill his obligation through a woman. A child that has reached Chinuch cannot fulfill the obligation of an adult according to those who rule Birchas Hatorah is Biblical, and hence one is to avoid fulfilling his obligation with the blessing of a child.