YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- P'ninat Mishpat
Answer: The concept you refer to can be connected to different sources and framed differently. After doing groundwork, we can relate to what is troubling you.
The gemara in Berachot (64a) says: "One who leaves a shul and enters a beit midrash and is involved in Torah study, merits receiving the Divine Countenance, as the pasuk says: ‘They shall go from chayil to chayil, they will be seen by Hashem in Zion.’" The move from one place/activity to another seems significant, although it is not obvious why (see Yalkut Biurim ad loc., p. 387). The Maharsha (ad loc.) says that chayil refers here to a sizable group of people, which is the best setting for both tefilla and Torah study (Berachot 63b).
The Tur (and Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 155) instructs going to a beit midrash to learn, after Shacharit, before work, citing Torah study’s centrality among the questions asked at a person’s "post-life trial" (see Shabbat 31a; Sanhedrin 7a). The Tur brings this idea, not at the end of the Laws of Tefilla but as part of what he calls "Hilchot De’ot" (practical philosophy), right before the laws of going to work. He instructs to make the learning set , i.e., he keeps to it even if it means losing out on big profits. Proximity to tefilla is not crucial, as the Tur and Shulchan Aruch (OC 155:2) allow those who are used to eating early to push off going to the beit midrash until after breakfast. According to them, it is not a halacha of finishing tefilla but of ensuring Torah learning is prominent enough in his day (see Avot 1:15; Rambam, Talmud Torah 3:7).
The Rambam cites neither the gemara in Berachot (the Rif and Rosh do) nor the Tur/Shulchan Aruch’s instructions. Perhaps he views the former as not phrased as a halachic statement and regarding proper Torah learning, he speaks at length about principles that need not be tied to a specific juncture of the day. In contrast, the Levush (OC 155:1) and Mishna Berura (155:1-2) bring both sources; the Levush says that the combination helps the tefillot to be accepted.
P'ninat Mishpat (832)
Beit Din Eretz Hemda - Gazit
699 - Did He Leave the Elevator Work “Between Floors”?
700 - Learning Right after Shacharit
701 - Extent of Partnership – part II
Load More
These two possibilities can depend on whether the point is to finish the tefilla on the right note (a little Torah might be enough) or to get a good start on the day’s learning (likely calls for a significant amount, as yeshivot do). While the Shulchan Aruch refers to serious learning, the Magen Avraham (155:1) says that if a pressing matter prevents it, one should learn one pasuk or halacha.
Another difference between approaches can be regarding one who does not have time to learn after his minyan but learns before davening. That seems fine regarding Torah learning, but it lacks any special element of going from tefilla to limud. Another difference would be for a full-time learner. If the point is Torah study and he puts in the same amount of time whether he starts learning right away or he eats and takes care of personal matters before learning, the instructions likely do not apply. According to the segula-of-connecting approach, having some learning right after davening might be valuable.
A final question is where it should be done. The earlier sources discuss going to a beit midrash. On the one hand, this was the place of intense Torah study (see Megilla 26b). The walking and setting himself there may itself have value (see Rama ad loc, about one who does not know how to learn going and getting reward for walking). Alternatively, perhaps that was just the norm and is not required; note that the Be’ur Halacha talks of the learning groups in shul.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Multiple Agreements and Parties – part II
based on ruling 80082 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Smoking Rights in a Rental? – part III
based on ruling 85076 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Late and Flawed Apartment
based on ruling 82174 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
