Learning

Hello, I’m currently working full-time, but I love to learn. My problem is that I don’t have a teacher that can help me reach my goal, which is to know everything. I love learning, but I also know there’s no way I’ll be able to learn everything. Therefore, I would like some guidance. It’s not that I want to be a Rav, as I don’t trust myself to be a leader, but more I want the knowledge and wherewithal of a Posek. Have not just the knowledge, but the intellect and reasoning-skills and kindness of those before me, such as Moshe Rabbeinu, Rashi, Rabbi Yehuda HaLevy, Chovot HaLevavot, Rambam, Rav Avraham, Ramban, Rav Karo, Ramchal, Rav Hirsch, Chafetz Chaim, Rav Kook, Netivot Shalom, Rav Yosef, Rav Rabinovitch, Rav Shteinsaltz, Rav Sacks, Rav Cardozo, Rav Sabato, and so many many many more. Thank you

Shalom, Thank you for your wonderful email. Your words filled me with joy – may your desire to learn and grow in Torah never stop. May you be blessed with every success. As to guidance – the ideal situation is to find a Rabbi who you get to know, and who can get to know you. Then he will be able to guide you at the correct pace that is suitable for your own personal growth. In the meantime, try to establish for yourself a course of study that will encompass broad sections of Torah learning. For example, every day to learn the section of the weekly parsha with Rashi. Then a chapter of Nach. Then a chapter of Mishna (or at least one or two Mishnas). Then perhaps some Talmud (there are many classes online). Then halacha – perhaps the Mishna Brurah, or Chia’h Adam. Or you could try learning halacha from the daily Rambam schedule. On top of this, you should work your way through basic books of Jewish thought – the Kuzari, Meselat Yesharim etc. I hope this will give you some direction- but as I wrote, the best advice will come from a Rabbi who knows you personally. Again – blessings.