Hilchos Talmud Torah – Chapter 1: The Commandment of Torah Study and How It Is Fulfilled
Halachah 1 — Who Is Obligated to Learn and Teach
Women, slaves, and minors are exempt from the mitzvah of Torah study.
Nevertheless, a father is obligated to teach his son Torah while he is a minor.
A woman is not obligated to teach her son, since only one who is commanded to learn is commanded to teach.
Halachah 2 — Teaching Children, Grandchildren, and Students
A person is obligated to teach:
- his son,
- his grandson,
- and all students, even if they are not relatives.
Students are considered “sons.”
However, priority is given in this order: son → grandson → others’ children.
Halachah 3 — Hiring Teachers and the Priority of Study
A father must hire a teacher for his son if necessary.
One who was not taught by his father must arrange his own Torah education.
Torah study takes precedence over action, because study leads to proper action.
Halachah 4 — One’s Own Study vs. Teaching One’s Son
If a person can either study himself or teach his son:
- his own study comes first.
- If the son is more capable and gifted, the son takes priority.
Even then, the father may not neglect his own learning.
Halachah 5 — Torah Study and Marriage
Ideally, a person should study Torah before marrying, so his mind is free.
If his inclination is overpowering and prevents proper study, he should marry first and then study.
Halachah 6 — When Torah Education Begins
From the time a child begins to speak, the father teaches him:
- basic Torah verses and Shema.
Gradually, more verses are added until age six or seven, when the child is sent to a formal teacher.
Halachah 7 — Paying Teachers and Teaching Torah for Free
It is permitted and required to pay teachers of young children and for teaching the Written Torah where customary.
However, it is forbidden to charge for teaching the Oral Law.
If one cannot find a free teacher, he may pay to learn — but may not charge others in return.
Halachah 8 — Universal Obligation of Torah Study
Every Jewish man is obligated to study Torah:
- rich or poor,
- healthy or afflicted,
- young or old,
- even one who must beg for sustenance.
He must set fixed times for Torah study by day and by night.
Halachah 9 — Torah Study Despite Hardship
The greatest sages included laborers and the blind.
Despite hardship, they studied Torah constantly and transmitted it through the generations back to Moses.
Halachah 10 — Torah Study for Life
A person is obligated to study Torah until the day he dies.
When one ceases to study, forgetting inevitably follows.
Halachah 11 — Dividing One’s Study Time
Study time should be divided into three parts:
- Written Torah,
- Oral Torah,
- Analytical understanding (Gemara).
Gemara includes reasoning, comparison, derivation, and deep comprehension.
Halachah 12 — Practical Structure of Study
At the beginning:
- equal time is given to all three areas.
Later:
- Written and Oral Torah are reviewed regularly,
- primary focus is placed on Gemara for life, according to one’s ability.
Halachah 13 — Women and Torah Study
A woman who studies Torah receives reward, though less than one who is commanded.
The Sages discouraged teaching Torah to daughters, especially the Oral Law, due to concern for misunderstanding.
Teaching the Written Torah is discouraged initially, but if done, it is not considered improper.
