Rambam Daily Study – Background and Guidelines – Part 2

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The Daily Study of Rambam: Background and Guidelines –Part 2

  1. The Three Tracks of the Daily Study and who it’s designed for

The daily Rambam study is divided into three tracks to accommodate different levels and schedules:

  1. Primary Track – Three Chapters a Day: Completing the entire Mishneh Torah in about one year. [1,000 chapters ÷ 3 ≈ 333.33 days per cycle, plus Hakdama and Minyan Hamitzvos which takes another 4 days (about 11 months).] The Rebbe stressed that the main cycle of his institution is the three chapter per day cycle and hence those capable of learning three chapters daily should do so, as this fulfills the ideal of mastering the entire Torah in a relatively short period.[1] The option of following one of the next two cycles is only for those who are unable to follow the three chapter a day cycle due to time constraint and learning challenges.[2]
  2. Secondary Track – One Chapter a Day: Completing the cycle in approximately three years. [1,000 chapters ≈ 2.75 years per cycle (since Mishneh Torah has 1,000 chapters, it takes 1,000 days) plus Hakdama and Minyan Hamitzvos which takes another 13 days.] This cycle is designed for all those who are unable due to time constraints and learning challenges to complete the three chapter a day cycle.[3] The Rebbe emphasized that those learning one chapter daily should not feel discouraged, as their study is equally valuable in accordance with their abilities and circumstances.[4]
  3. Tertiary Track – Sefer HaMitzvot Track:[5] Designed for women and children[6], this track covers the Rambam’s Sefer HaMitzvot (Book of Commandments), aligning the mitzvot studied with the daily chapters in the main cycle. This cycle is designated for those with minimal time and scholastic abilities. At a minimum, women should study this cycle, although those women who have the time and scholastic ability, can join one of the other two cycles, either one chapter a day or three chapters a day, and they are not limited to this cycle specifically.[7]

Advancing to a Higher Track in Rambam Study:[8] The Rebbe stated that those studying one of the lower tracks should periodically consider whether they are ready to advance to a higher track, and should not remain in the lower track for their entire lives. Furthermore, even those who study three chapters a day are encouraged to enhance their learning—such as by striving for greater understanding or delving deeper into the material—each person according to their individual ability.

Who?

  1. Inclusion of All: Men, Women, and Children:[9]

A remarkable aspect of the daily Rambam study is its inclusivity. The Rebbe explicitly stated that women and girls should participate by studying Sefer HaMitzvot, as they too are obligated to learn the laws relevant to them and to educate their children. This inclusivity reflects the broader Chabad philosophy of empowering every Jew to connect with Torah.

Children:[10] The Rebbe encouraged even children of appropriate age to study the track of Sefer Hamitzvos. Furthermore, the Rebbe instructed that even those children who are not of age to do so should at least be taught in a manner appropriate to their age the content of that days mitzvah from Sefer Hamitvos.

  1. Encouraging others:[11]

It is important not to keep the study cycle private. Rather, one should actively publicize it and encourage as many men, women, and children as possible to join one of the available study tracks. By doing so, we help expand the impact and unity of the Rambam study initiative within the broader community.

How

  1. How to study: Depth versus superficial reading:[12]

When studying Rambam for the first time, one should focus on understanding the straightforward meaning of the laws, without delving too deeply into complex analysis. In subsequent cycles, after having grasped the basic meaning, it is appropriate to explore the material in greater depth and from various perspectives. The Rebbe stated that even those who study three chapters a day are encouraged over time to enhance their learning—such as by striving for greater understanding or delving deeper into the material—each person according to their individual ability.[13] This is especially relevant when beginning a new cycle, at which time one should approach the study with renewed determination and strive for an even higher quality of learning compared to previous cycles.[14]

  1. One Halacha Beiyun: The Importance of Depth and Breadth[15]

While the daily study is designed to cover ground, the Rebbe also encouraged learners to select at least one law—or at least one detail from the daily Rambam study—to be examined in depth, utilizing the various commentaries and works that elucidate the Rambam’s words. Furthermore, the Rebbe added that those with a particular aptitude for learning (“a lamdanishe kup”) should personally engage in independent research and analytical study, delving into the material with thorough investigation and pilpul.

  1. Drawing a Personal Lesson from the Daily Rambam[16]

The Rebbe instructed that one should make a conscious effort to derive a lesson in the service of God from the content of each day’s daily Rambam study.

  1. Public Shiurim and having a study partner (Chavrusa):[17]

The Rebbe emphasized that communities should establish public classes dedicated to studying the Daily Rambam. Likewise, the Rebbe stated that if one is unable to attend a public class, one should, at the very least, arrange to study with a chavrusa—a study partner—with whom to learn the daily Rambam together.

  1. Integrating Chitas and Rambam into Public Addresses[18]

The Rebbe encouraged those delivering speeches or public talks to make an effort to connect the daily learning cycles of Chitas and Rambam to their derasha. Speakers should seek to draw a lesson in the service of God from the content of that day’s study, thereby enriching their message and inspiring their audience with practical guidance rooted in the daily Torah learning.

  1. Beginning a New Cycle[19]

When starting a new cycle of Rambam study, one should approach the learning with renewed determination and strive to elevate the quality of study beyond that of previous cycles. The Rebbe stated that those studying one of the lower tracks should periodically consider whether they are ready to advance to a higher track, and should not remain in the lower track for their entire lives. Furthermore, even those who study three chapters a day are encouraged to enhance their learning—such as by striving for greater understanding or delving deeper into the material—each person according to their individual ability.

When

  1. The night before:

Regarding the daily learning cycle of Chitas, the Rebbe[20] stated that the night follows the previous day as is the rule by Kodshim, and hence one is not to learn the following day’s cycle the night before. [i.e. on Thursday night, the 25th of Adar one is to study the Chitas of Thursday the 24th of Adar, and not of Friday the 25th of Adar.] Seemingly, the same would apply to the daily cycle of Rambam. To note however exist testimonies that the Rebbe himself would study the next day’s cycle the night before.

 

  1. Completing the Daily Study Before Nightfall[21]

One should strive to complete the daily learning before nightfall. If this is not possible, such as by a long daily session, every effort should be made to finish it before midnight. Should it still remain unfinished after midnight, one should at the very least endeavor to complete the study before daybreak.

  1. Order of Making Up Missed Study Sessions:[22]

If one needs to make up a missed learning session from a previous day, the proper approach is to first complete the current day’s study session. Only after fulfilling the learning for the present day should one proceed to make up any missed sessions from previous days.

[1] “It is understood—and obvious—that anyone who is capable of learning three chapters a day does not fulfill his obligation by learning only one chapter a day. More than that: for such a person, learning only one chapter is considered bitul Torah (neglect of Torah study). This is similar to the teaching that ‘we interrupt Torah study to hear the reading of the Megillah’: although the Megillah is itself part of Torah—one of the twenty‑four holy books—nevertheless, relative to the level of Torah study one is capable of, with full understanding, analysis, and dialectic reasoning, the reading of the Megillah is considered a form of bitul Torah. Of course, it is better for him to learn one chapter than to learn nothing at all, Heaven forbid. Nevertheless, he must recognize that learning only one chapter is insufficient for him, and is even considered bitul Torah—because he is capable of learning three chapters a day.”; See Hisvadyus 5747 1 p. 446

[2] Sichas Shabbos Parshas Tetzaveh 5745

[3] Sichas night of Chaf Teves 5749

[4] Hisvadyus 5745 2 p. 1326 “In the beginning, there was also involvement in this matter, and a special “Moreh Shiur” (study guide) was published for those learning one chapter a day. However, over time, most of the activities became focused on the three-chapter-a-day study, and the initial enthusiasm for the one-chapter-a-day track faded, with little continued attention to it. This was despite repeated suggestions, requests, and appeals to make an effort to unite all Jews in Rambam study by establishing a dedicated track for those unable to learn three chapters daily, so that they too would study a daily Rambam lesson—one chapter a day. Nevertheless, after all this, no one seemed to care! No one spoke up or took action! It is important to emphasize and clarify to those learning one chapter a day that they should not, God forbid, become discouraged by the fact that they are only learning one chapter daily. First and foremost, it must be remembered that discouragement is contrary to the very essence of Torah study… The learning itself should be done expansively, “I will walk in broad places…” The reason they should not be discouraged, even though they are learning only one chapter a day, is that—relative to their circumstances and abilities—their study of one chapter a day is just as significant as the study of three chapters a day is for those who are able to do so.”

[5] Sichas night of Chaf Teves 5749

[6] Likkutei Sichos 27 p. 234

[7] Sichas 25th Iyar 5747

[8] Sichas Parshas Shemini 5749

[9] Hisvadyus 5745 4 p. 2221 “As has been explained many times, this matter applies to women as well—for ‘women too are obligated to learn the laws that they must know,’ as the Alter Rebbe writes and elaborates in Hilchos Talmud Torah. Included in this are all the detailed concepts of knowledge of God, love of Him, and fear of Him, which appear at the beginning of the Rambam’s work. Moreover, even regarding other halachos that are not directly relevant to them, they should study these as well, so that they can educate their sons. For we see tangibly that the primary force and influence in a child’s education comes from the mother; and in order for her to educate her sons in matters that pertain to them, she must first learn and know these matters herself. Consequently, the study of Rambam applies to women as well. The same applies to the daughters of Israel. In recent generations, the practical conduct of the great leaders of Israel from all circles has been to permit and establish schools for girls, in order to teach them, educate them, and prepare them for their role and mission—to educate their children, including in mitzvos that are time‑bound. Even those who initially opposed this eventually followed their lead when they saw the positive results in practice. Therefore, girls too should be taught Rambam.”

[10] Likkutei Sichos 27 p. 234

[11] Sichas Achron Shel Pesach 5744; Yechidus Kelalis Hisvadysu 5744 p. 1961

[12] Sichas Yom Beis of Chag Hashavuos 5784

[13] Sichas Parshas Shemini 5749

[14] Sichas Parshas Vaeira 5748; Night of Chaf Teves 5749

[15] Sichas Achron Shel Pesach 5784; Vayikra 5745: Hisvadyus 5745 13 p. 1614 “This is also the place to emphasize the study of Rambam. Although the Rambam writes in his introduction that he composed his work ‘in clear language and in concise form… so that all the laws will be revealed to both the small and the great,’ nevertheless, one must also learn it with analysis and depth. This does not contradict the daily study of three chapters. For although one might argue that since proper study requires analytical depth—and such study does not allow for completing three chapters a day—it would be better to join the daily study of the Sefer HaMitzvos, the answer (as explained many times when the Rambam study cycle began) is that first and foremost, one must learn the daily three chapters in the manner of ‘for the small and the great alike.’ Meaning: even a ‘great’ person studies in the same manner as a ‘small’ one—learning and knowing the simple meaning of the halachos, and certainly in a way that he ‘knows what he is saying,’ for in Torah Shebaal Peh one does not fulfill the obligation of Torah study without understanding the meaning of the words. In addition to this, one should choose a particular halachah (or several halachos) from the daily portion to study further with analysis and depth”

[16] Sichas Parshas Tazria Metzora 5750

[17] Sichas Parshas Ki Sisa 5749

[18] Sichas Noach 5749

[19] Sichas Parshas Vaeira 5748; Night of Chaf Teves and Shemini 5749

[20] Sichos Kodesh 5713 p. 57; Sichos Kodesh 5715 p. 333; Igros Kodesh 9:244; 13:425; M”B 155:4 that one can make up the missed study session at night; Eiruvin 65

[21] Sichas Parshas Vaeira 5749; Sichas Leil Hoshana Raba Hisvadyus 1 p. 192

[22] Sichas Achron Shel Pesach 5784

About The Author

Rabbi Yaakov Goldstein is a 6th generation descendent of the famous Chief Rabbi of Izhmir, Rav Yehoshua Avraham Krispin, who authored a number of Sefarim, and was a colleague of Rav Chaim Falagi, and father in-law of the Pesach Hadvir. He currently lives with his wife Shayna, and twelve children K”H, in Tzfas, Israel. Rabbi Goldstein received Semicha from Rabbi Schneur Zalman Labkowski of the Tomchei Temimim headquarters in 2005 and served as a chaplain in the Lotar/Kalatz and K9 unit of the IDF from years 2005-2008. He is also a certified Shochet, and has performed Hashgacha work in slaughterhouses. Rabbi Goldstein is the director of Shulchanaruchharav.com, the world’s leading web-based Halacha database, and is the director of the Home Study Semicha Program, a self-study web-based Semicha program. He is a prolific author of over 50 Sefarim studied by a wide range of readers throughout the world, which is used regularly in Semicha programs around the globe. He is a world renowned Posek, answering questions to a web-based market, and serves as a local Posek, Rav, and Lecturer, in the Tzemach Tzedek community Shul in Tzefas, Israel. His many classes can be heard both from his website, Vimeo and YouTube channel. Students can join live to classes given in the Tzemach Tzedek Shul, through the “בית חבד צפת Chabad Tsfat” YouTube channel.