How much of the day may one spend working versus learning Torah?[1] As stated above, and as will be elaborated next, even one who needs to work for a living is required to set aside time every day for learning Torah [Kevius Itim Letorah]. Nevertheless, he should make his work his temporary occupation and his learning of Torah as his set occupation [and Hashem will provide him his full sustenance through that temporary amount of time that he works[2]]. Thus, he is to only work the amount of time he needs per day to make a [normal] living and the remainder of the day and night he should spend studying Torah.[3] At the very least, he is Biblically obligated to dedicate [by most days[4]] half of the day, if not majority of the day, for Torah study, aside for his nighttime learning.[5] However, this only applies to a Torah scholar, who is able to study [and remember] the entire Torah and eventually fulfill the Mitzvah of Yedias Hatorah, if he sets half or majority of the day for Torah study. However, one who was not blessed with such intellectual aptitude to accomplish the above even if he were to study half of the day, is not required to study half of the day unless he desires to do so as an act of piety due to his love of Torah. Rather, he can suffice with setting minimal times for Torah study both by day and night, as explained next.[6] [Likewise, even by a Torah scholar, working the bare minimum only applies to one who does not desire to be wealthy and rather desires to study Torah[7], however, one who desires to be wealthy needs to increase in his work and effort accordingly, and he may choose to do so if he wishes, as will be explained. However, he may not work the entire day or even majority of it, as stated above.[8]]

Kevius Itim Letorah by day and night:[9] Every single [male[10]] Jew, whether poor or wealthy, whether he is healthy or suffers from health problems, is obligated to study Torah. This applies even to a beggar who makes rounds by doors begging for money, and applies even to a husband and father of children who must work for a living. Nonetheless, even he is obligated to set times of Torah study by both day and night[11] as the verse[12] states “Vehagisa Bo Yomam Valayla”

[1] Admur 156:1; See Admur Hilchos Talmud Torah 3:2-3 in length; Kuntrus Achron 3:1; Michaber 156:1; Brachos 35b; Likkutei Sichos 25:305; Derech Mitzvosecha Mitzvas Tiglachas Metzora p. 213 “If it is not possible for an individual to sustain his family with affluence unless he works a lot, then it suffices for him to study Torah when chapter in the morning and one chapter in the evening as Rashbi himself stated.”; See Pela Yoeitz

[2] M”B 156:3

[3] Admur ibid; Admur Hilchos Talmud Torah 3:3; M”A 156:1; See next however that this is not an actual obligation, but a Midas Chassidus for one who “desires to fulfill this Mitzvah properly”

He is however not required to only work enough to supply basic needs, he can work as much as necessary to support his style of living. So is implied from the difference in wording between “Kdei Parnasaso” and Kdei Chayav”.

[4] See Admur Hilchos Talmud Torah 3:4 that even a Torah scholar may on occasion dedicate the entire day for making a living in order so he does not incur a loss and on such days he is to fulfill his obligation of Torah study through Kevius Itim by day and night. So was done by Rava in Brachos 35b

[5] Admur Hilchos Talmud Torah 3:2

[6] Admur Hilchos Talmud Torah 3:4; Shelah in Miseches Chulin 114b

[7] See Admur 156:1 who concludes that this applies “Lemi Shechashka Nafsho Batorah” hence implying that it is not an obligation upon everyone to work the bare minimum to make a living; See also Admur Hilchos Talmud Torah 3:3 who implies the same that it only applies to “one who desires to fulfill this Mitzvah properly”; See also Derech Mitzvosecha Mitzvas Tiglachas Metzora p. 213 “If it is not possible for an individual to sustain his family with affluence unless he works a lot, then it suffices for him to study Torah when chapter in the morning and one chapter in the evening as Rashbi himself stated.”

[8] See Derech Mitzvoseha ibid who writes that even a Torah scholar may suffice with 1 chapter by day and night, although this is limited to a Torah scholar who already fulfilled the Mitzvah of Yedias Hatorah as he states there earlier.

[9] Admur 155:1; Hilchos Talmud Torah 3:2-5; Michaber Y.D. 246:1; Tur 246; Rambam Talmud Torah 1:8; See Piskeiy Teshuvos 155:1

[10] See Admur 47:10

[11] See Biur Halacha 155 “Es Lilmod” that through setting a time to learn between Mincha and Maariv, he fulfills his set obligation.

[12] Yehoshua 1:8