Should One Maintain Constant Awareness of the Tefillin While Wearing Them

In a previous installment, we saw that just as Halacha requires reciting Birkot Ha'Torah in the morning before verbally speaking words of Torah, one is similarly required to recite Birkot Ha'Torah in the morning before listening to words of Torah. This is based on the Halachic principle of "Shome'a Ke'oneh," which equates listening with speaking. One who listens to words of Torah is considered to be speaking those words himself, and so he must recite Birkot Ha'Torah. This conclusion gives rise to the question of whether it is permissible to teach Torah to Jews who can be presumed not to have recited Birkot Ha'Torah. Many communities run Torah learning programs for non-observant Jews, who certainly do not recite the morning blessings, such as Birkot Ha'Torah. Seemingly, by teaching them Torah, one causes them to violate the prohibition of learning before reciting Birkot Ha'Torah. How, then, is this allowed, given that one is not permitted to facilitate another Jew's violation of Halacha? The Poskim offer different reasons why this should be allowed. One theory is that the mechanism of "Shome'a Ke'oneh" works through Kavana (intent) – meaning, the speaker has in mind that his words should be considered as though they were spoken also by the listeners. When teaching Torah to a non-observant audience, one does not have this intention, since the listeners have not recited Birkot Ha'Torah, and so they are not considered as though they are speaking the words. However, as we saw in a previous installment, it is uncertain whether the process of "Shome'a Ke'oneh" indeed requires Kavana in the context of Torah study. Another possibility is that non-observant Jews have the same status as people who are incapable of reciting Birkot Ha'Torah. If one is practically unable to recite Birkot Ha'Torah – such as if he does not know Hebrew, or if he does not have Siddur and does not know the text from memory – then Halacha allows him to learn Torah without reciting the Berachot. Jews who are unfamiliar with Halacha observance may likely fall under this category, and so they are allowed to learn Torah without reciting Birkot Ha'Torah. Others suggest that it is preferable for non-observant Jews to learn Torah, despite not having recited Birkot Ha'Torah, as the exposure to Torah learning could lead them to embrace observance. It is better for them to violate this transgression, of learning before Birkot Ha'Torah, than never to be taught Torah, as they will hopefully be drawn to learn more and become observant. Rav Yitzchak Zilberstein (contemporary) cites his father-in-law, Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv (Jerusalem, 1910-2012), as advancing a different rationale. He noted that non-observant Jews who attend a Torah lecture have no intention to fulfill the Misva of Torah learning, but come merely for the sake of curiosity or intellectual engagement. This kind of study, Rav Elyashiv asserted, does not qualify as a fulfillment of the Misva of Torah learning, and thus does not require Birkot Ha'Torah. Others dispute this line of reasoning, claiming that this indeed fulfills the Misva despite the absence of intent for the Misva. Summary: Although one is required to recite Birkot Ha'Torah each day before learning Torah, including silently listening to a Torah class, the Poskim generally allow teaching Torah to non-observant Jews who do not recite the required daily blessings.

After waking in the morning, a person is not permitted to learn Torah before reciting Birkot Ha'Torah. As we saw in earlier installments, however, this applies only to learning verbally. Merely thinking Torah in one's mind, without speaking, is allowed before reciting Birkot Ha'Torah in the morning. (We saw, though, that reading a Torah book, even silently, might require the recitation of Birkot Ha'Torah.) Intuitively, we might assume that silently listening to a Torah lecture should be no different than silently thinking about Torah. Seemingly, then, if a person attends a Torah class in the synagogue early in the morning, he does not need to first recite Birkot Ha'Torah. However, the Halachot Ketanot (Rav Yisrael Yaakob Hagiz, 1680-1757) rules that listening to a Torah class differs from thinking about Torah in this regard. He applies to this situation the famous Halachic principle of "Shome'a Ke'oneh" – that listening to the recitation of a text is akin to reciting it oneself. Thus, for example, every Shabbat, one person recites Kiddush, and everyone else at the table fulfills his obligation by listening to the recitation. Accordingly, people who listen to a Torah class are considered to be saying the words spoken by the teacher. Hence, listening to a Torah class is akin to verbally speaking words of Torah, and requires the recitation of Birkot Ha'Torah. Hacham Ovadia Yosef brought proof to this theory from the Gemara's inference of the Birkot Ha'Torah obligation from a verse in the Book of Debarim (32:3). The Gemara in Masechet Berachot (21a) cites as the Biblical source of this requirement the verse, "Ki Shem Hashem Ekra, Habu Godel L'Elokenu" – "When I call the Name of G-d, give praise to G-d." Moshe here was announcing that when he teaches Torah, the people should recite a blessing. Thus, the very source of Birkot Ha'Torah is a situation where people recite a Beracha before listening to words of Torah, clearly implying that even silently listening to a Torah lecture requires the recitation of Birkot Ha'Torah. This is the ruling also of the Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909). Although several Poskim (including the Lebush and Hida) disagree, Halacha follows the opinion of the Halachot Ketanot. Therefore, those who attend a Torah class early in the morning must ensure to first recite Birkot Ha'Torah. Some addressed the question of how to reconcile the Halachot Ketanot's reasoning with the ruling of the Rosh (Rabbenu Asher Ben Yehiel, 1250-1327) that the person who receives an Aliya to the Torah must read along with the Ba'al Koreh (reader). Fundamentally, the obligation to read is upon the Oleh (person who was called to the Torah); the Ba'al Koreh reads the Torah on his behalf. Seemingly, the rule of "Shome'a Ke'oneh" should allow the Oleh to silently listen to the reader and thereby discharge his obligation. Indeed, the Peri Hadash (Rav Hizkiya Da Silva, 1659-1698) disputed the Rosh's ruling, and maintained that the Oleh does not need to read together with the reader. Halacha, however, follows the Rosh's ruling. If, as the Halachot Ketanot writes, listening to words of Torah is akin to reciting them, then why must the Oleh read along with the Ba'al Koreh? Several explanations were given for why the congregational Torah reading might be different, and is not subject to the rule of "Shome'a Ke'oneh." One theory is that "Shome'a Ke'oneh" applies only when there is a general obligation to recite a certain text. The congregational Torah reading is an obligation upon the congregation as a whole, and not on any particular individual, and it therefore is not included in the rule of "Shome'a Ke'oneh." Others explain that since the original format of Torah reading was that the Oleh reads the text, and the concept of a Ba'al Koreh was introduced later, the Oleh is required to read along, to preserve the initial arrangement. Yet another answer is that the rule of "Shome'a Ke'oneh" does not allow for one person to recite the Beracha over a Misva and another person to perform the Misva. On Purim, for example, the one who reads the Megilla for the congregation also recites the Beracha. Never does someone from the congregation recite the Beracha, and then the Ba'al Koreh reads the Megilla. Therefore, the Oleh cannot recite the Beracha and then fulfill his obligation by listening to the Ba'al Koreh's reading. Interestingly, Rav Shlomo Kluger (1785-1869) asserted that this Halacha regarding Birkot Ha'Torah before listening a Torah class hinges on a debate among the Rishonim regarding a different issue. It often happens that somebody is still in the middle of the Amida prayer when the Hazzan begins the repetition, and reaches Nakdishach. Common practice follows the view of Rashi, that the person in this situation should stop and listen silently to Nakdishach in order to fulfill this Misva. Rabbenu Tam (France, 1100-1171), however, disagreed with this ruling, arguing that in light of the principle of "Shome'a Ke'oneh," listening to Nakdishach in the middle of the Amida would constitute a Hefsek (forbidden interruption) in the Amida. This is no different than reciting Nakdishach in the middle of the Amida, which is of course not allowed. Seemingly, Rav Kluger writes, the ruling of the Halachot Ketanot, that listening to Torah is akin to speaking Torah, follows the view of Rabbenu Tam, that "Shome'a Ke'oneh" actually equates listening to speaking. According to Rashi, listening is not precisely the same as speaking, which is why he permits listening to Nakdishach during the Amida. By the same token, it would seem that Rashi would not require reciting Birkot Ha'Torah before listening to a Torah lecture. The question, then, becomes why we follow Rashi's opinion regarding listening to Nakdishach during the Amida, but we accept the Halachot Ketanot's ruling regarding Birkot Ha'Torah. These two rulings seem to contradict one another – as the first presumes that listening is not precisely like speaking, whereas the second presumes that listening is equivalent to speaking. Hacham Ovadia answers that when a person is reciting the Amida as the congregation reaches Nakdishach, he wants to fulfill the Misva of reciting Nakdishach, but he also does not wish to interrupt his Amida. Halacha therefore allows him to listen to Nakdishach – such that he will be credited with this Misva – without being considered in violation of disrupting the Amida. Since the person seeks to perform the Misva, an exception is made to allow him to do so. Even Rashi agrees that listening is equivalent to speaking, but in the specific instance where a person recites the Amida and hears Nakdishach, special permission is given to listen to Nakdishach. Hacham Ovadia cites in this context the Gemara's teaching (Kiddushin 39b) that a person's intention to transgress a sin is disregarded if he ends up being unable to commit the forbidden act. A person's thoughts are discounted as far as Halachic violations are concerned, and thus one cannot be considered guilty of disrupting his Amida by silently listening to Nakdishach. Another question that was asked regarding the Halachot Ketanot's ruling is whether the speaker and audience must have specific intention for "Shome'a Ke'oneh" to take effect. During Kiddush, the person reciting Kiddush must have in mind that his recitation will be effective in satisfying the listeners' obligation, and they must likewise intend to fulfill their obligation by hearing his recitation. Seemingly, then, if listening to a Torah class is akin to speaking words of Torah due to the principle of "Shome'a Ke'oneh," this should depend on whether or not the speaker and audience have this specific intention. However, Hacham Ovadia Yosef, in his Yabia Omer (vol. 4, addendum to #8), writes that this specific intention is not necessary, and he draws proof to the fact that Torah study marks an exception to the general rule. The Gemara in Masechet Sukka (38) infers the principle of "Shome'a Ke'oneh" from the story of King Yoshiyahu, before whom a man named Shafan read the Torah, and Yoshiyahu was considered to have read it himself. There is no mention of either Yoshiyahu or Shafan having specific intention that Yoshiyahu should be considered to have read the text – indicating that such intention is not necessary. Although in general "Shome'a Ke'oneh" requires the intention of both the speaker and listener, Torah study marks an exception, where such intention is not needed for "Shome'a Ke'oneh" to take effect. Rav Yisrael Bitan offers two possible explanations for this distinction, for why the mechanism of "Shome'a Ke'oneh" does not require Kavana (intent) in the context of Torah study, but it does in the context of all other Misvot. First, the primary method of Torah learning is through a teacher and listeners; this is the most common way that Torah is studied. Therefore, the listeners fulfill their obligation by listening without having to create a connection to the speaker through Kavana. Alternatively, one could say that in the case of Torah learning, the intent is present by default. When a Rabbi or teacher stands up before a room to teach Torah, everyone's intention is clearly to fulfill the Misva of Torah learning, and there is no need to consciously think this. The fundamental difference between these two explanations is that according to the first, Kavana is not necessary for "Shome'a Ke'oneh" to take effect when teaching Torah, whereas according to the second, Kavana is necessary, but it is presumed even without consciously having it in mind. These different perspectives will affect the fascinating question of whether a distinction exists between attending a Torah class and listening to a recording. According to the first explanation, listening to Torah is equivalent to speaking Torah even without Kavana, and this would be true even when listening to a recording of a Torah class. According to the second approach, however, Kavana is necessary for the listener to be considered to be speaking, and the speaker and listener are presumed to have this intent – and thus this would not apply in the case of a recording. When listening to a recording, there is no speaker to supply the Kavana, and thus the listener is not considered to be speaking the words. It would then follow that one would not be required to recite Birkot Ha'Torah before listening to a recorded Torah class in the morning. For example, if a person wishes to listen to a Torah class as he makes his way to the synagogue in the morning, he would not – according to this second explanation – be required to first recite Birkot Ha'Torah. In practice, however, as this matter cannot be conclusively determined one way or another, we must be stringent and recite Birkot Ha'Torah even before listening to a recorded Torah class. Therefore, one who wishes to hear a Torah class in the morning – either in person or a recording – must first recite Birkot Ha'Torah and the verses of Birkat Kohanim beforehand. Summary: One who wishes to hear a Torah class in the morning – either in person or a recording – must first recite Birkot Ha'Torah and the verses of Birkat Kohanim beforehand.

The Mishna in Pirkeh Abot (1:6) famously instructs, "Aseh Lecha Rav U'kneh Lecha Haber" – literally, "Make for yourself a Rabbi, and 'purchase' for yourself a friend." This is commonly understood to mean that that as important as it is to have a Rabbi, it is even more important to have a friend, and one should therefore go so far as to "purchase" a friend if necessary. The Hida (Rav Haim Yosef David Azulai, 1724-1806), however, added a different interpretation, explaining "U'kneh Lecha Haber" to mean that the quill – "Kaneh" – should be one's "friend." One should make sure to learn from a knowledgeable Rabbi – and he should also grow accustomed to writing the Torah he learns as much as possible. There is immense value in writing the Torah that one studies, as this helps him retain the material and also preserves it. The question arises as to whether one who wishes to write words of Torah in the morning must first recite Birkot Ha'Torah. Halacha requires reciting Birkot Ha'Torah before learning Torah in the morning, but (as we saw in a previous installment) a distinction exists between silently thinking about Torah and speaking words of Torah. Birkot Ha'Torah is required in the morning before verbally speaking words of Torah, but not – according to the consensus opinion – before silently thinking words of Torah. At first glance, we would assume that silently writing Torah material is no different from silently thinking about Torah, and thus this may be done before reciting Birkot Ha'Torah in the morning. Interestingly, however, the Shulhan Aruch distinguishes between thinking about Torah in one's mind and writing Torah. When it comes to thinking about Torah, the Shulhan Aruch follows the view of the Agur (Rav Yaakob Landau, 1410-1493) that silent Torah thoughts do not require Birkot Ha'Torah. However, the Shulhan Aruch rules that writing Torah indeed requires the recitation of the Birkot Ha'Torah. This is based on the position of the Abudarham (Rav David Abudarham, Spain, 14 th century) which Rav Yosef Karo – author of the Shulhan Aruch – brings in his Bet Yosef. Importantly, however, Rav Yosef Karo wrote a collection of notes to the Bet Yosef called Bedek Ha'bayit, in which he corrects or amends certain passages in the Bet Yosef. And in the Bedek Ha'bayit, commenting on his citation of the Abudarham's ruling concerning one who writes Torah, Rav Yosef Karo remarks: "See the words of the Agur" – a clear reference to the aforementioned ruling of the Agur that Birkot Ha'Torah is not required before thinking about Torah. It thus appears that the Bet Yosef retracted his opinion, and concluded that one does not, in fact, need to recite Birkot Ha'Torah before writing Torah. The question then becomes, what was Rav Yosef Karo's final ruling? In the Bet Yosef, he seems to have concluded that writing Torah does not require Birkot Ha'Torah, but in the Shulhan Aruch, he wrote that it does. The Poskim dispute the question of whether the Rav Yosef Karo wrote the Shulhan Aruch before or after he wrote his emendations to the Bet Yosef. Therefore, it is unclear which ruling reflects his final position – his ruling in Bedek Ha'bayit, or his ruling in the Shulhan Aruch. If we follow the Shulhan Aruch's ruling, which distinguishes between thinking about Torah and writing Torah, what's the rationale behind this distinction? Why would thinking about Torah not require Birkot Ha'Torah, but writing Torah would? Later commentators offered several explanations. One approach is that the obligation of Torah study is inherently linked to the obligation to teach Torah. Therefore, Birkot Ha'Torah – the blessing over the Misva to learn Torah – is recited only upon a kind of learning which could also facilitate the teaching of Torah. As Torah can be taught through speech and through the written word, these two forms of Torah learning require Birkot Ha'Torah, whereas silently thinking about Torah, which of course is not a way in which Torah can be disseminated, does not. Others explain that one must learn Torah with the goal of remembering the material. Therefore, the Beracha is recited only when one speaks or writes Torah, as one is more likely to remember material which he verbalizes or writes than material which he simply thinks in his mind. The Lebush (Rav Mordechai Yoffe, 1530-1612) answers, very simply, that writing, as opposed to thinking, is an action, and a Beracha is recited only before a Misva act. Finally, the Hayeh Adam (Rav Abraham Danzig, Vilna, 1748-1820) explains that people often tend to say the words as they write, and therefore Halacha requires reciting Birkot Ha'Torah before writing, given the likelihood that he will end up speaking words of Torah. As for the final Halacha, the Mishna Berura cites several Poskim who rule that due to the uncertainty surrounding this question, one who wishes to write Torah must first recite Birkot Ha'Torah and then recite verses from the Torah before proceeding to write. This is the ruling of Hacham Ovadia Yosef, as well. Verbally reading verses before writing satisfies all opinions and thus avoids this Halachic uncertainty. (Rabbi Yisrael Bitan notes that in one work, Hacham Ovadia is cited as ruling that a person in this situation must recite Birkot Ha'Torah and should then "preferably" recite verses before writing – indicating that this is a preference, but not a requirement. However, Rabbi Bitan shows that this is an inaccurate representation of Hacham Ovadia's position, as in truth he maintained that one must first verbally read verses in order to satisfy all opinions.) This Halacha applies also to a Sofer who wishes to do some work – writing a Sefer Torah, Tefillin or Mezuza – in the morning. Some Poskim maintained that since a Sofer merely copies the Torah text, and is not actually learning Torah, Birkot Ha'Torah is not required before such work. However, due to the different opinions that exist, a Sofer should ensure to recite Birkot Ha'Torah and then verbally read verses before writing. This applies also to somebody who is typing Torah material from a handwritten text, without any intention to learn as he types. Although one could argue that this does not qualify as Torah learning, nevertheless, given the uncertainty, the typist should first recite Birkot Ha'Torah, verbally read some verses, and then proceed to the typing. Summary: One who wishes to write Torah insights, commentaries, etc. in the morning should first recite Birkot Ha'Torah and then verbally read some Torah text before writing, in order to satisfy all opinions. This applies also to a Sofer – he should recite Birkot Ha'Torah and then verbally read some verses before writing in the morning.

Halacha requires reciting Birkot Ha'Torah in the morning before one learns Torah. Does this apply only if one wants to learn Torah verbally, or even if one is interested in learning silently, such as by reading without saying the words? For example, if a person wakes up in the middle of the night, and he wants to read a Torah book to help him fall back asleep, must he first recite Birkot Ha'Torah? This question arises also if one sits and drinks coffee early in the morning before reciting Birkot Ha'Torah. May he silently read a Torah book while drinking, or must he first recite Birkot Ha'Torah? For that matter, is one allowed upon waking in the morning to think about Torah before he recites Birkot Ha'Torah? The Bet Yosef cites the Agur (Rav Yaakob Landau, 1410-1493) as ruling that Birkot Ha'Torah is required only before learning Torah verbally, but not before learning silently. Just as praying only with one's eyes, without saying the words, does not qualify as prayer, likewise, learning Torah without saying the words does not constitute "learning" as far as the Birkot Ha'Torah requirement is concerned. The Shulhan Aruch rules accordingly. The Vilna Gaon (Rav Eliyahu of Vilna, 1720-1797), however, disagrees. He notes the verse in which G-d commands, "Ve'hagita Bo Yomam Va'layla" (Yehoshua 1:8), that we must study Torah day and night. The word "Hagita," the Gaon asserts, refers to unspoken thoughts, as in the expression, "Hegyon Libi" ("the stirrings of my heart" – Tehillim 19:15), and thus the Misva of Torah study is fulfilled even through silent learning. The Nishmat Adam (Rav Abraham Danzig of Vilna, 1748-1820) refuted this proof, pointing to the text of Birkot Ha'Torah, which mentions "words of Torah" ("Dibreh Torah"), implying that this refers specifically to spoken words (as "Dibur" means "speech"). Moreover, the Nishmat Adam cites several instances where the word "Hegyon" clearly refers to speech, and not to silent thought, such as "U'lshoni Tehegeh Sidkecha" (Tehillim 35:28), "Pi Sadik Yehegeh Hochma" (Tehillim 37:30), and "Lo Yehegu Bi'gronam" (Tehillim 115:7). (The Vilna Gaon would likely respond that "Hegyon" refers to both speech and silent thoughts, and thus both fall under the command of "Ve'hagita" and require Birkot Ha'Torah.) The Nishmat Adam further notes that the Gemara (Berachot 21a) cites as the source of the Birkot Ha'Torah obligation the verse in Debarim (32:3), "Ki Shem Hashem Ekra Habu Godel L'Elokenu" – "When I call the Name of G-d, express praise to our G-d." This verse speaks of reciting a Beracha when one "calls the Name of G-d," suggesting that this applies only to verbally articulating the words of Torah. The majority of Poskim follow the view of the Shulhan Aruch, that Birkot Ha'Torah is not required before silent Torah study. These include the Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909) and Hacham Ovadia Yosef. (Moreover, there is considerable discussion among later Poskim as to whether the Vilna Gaon truly held the stringent position that even thinking Torah requires Birkot Ha'Torah, or only considered this possibility.) Therefore, one who wishes to silently think about Torah in the middle of the night, or in the morning before reciting Birkot Ha'Torah, may do so.

Many people have the custom each morning to read "Hok Le'Yisrael" – a collection of texts that includes passages from the Tanach, Mishna, Halachic works, Zohar, and other sources. "Hok Le'Yisrael" follows a regimented schedule, with different pieces of texts being recited each day. Often, the people who read "Hok Le'Yisrael" do not understand the material they read. The question arises whether a person may read "Hok Le'Yisrael" in the morning before reciting Birkot Ha'Torah. Halacha requires reciting Birkot Ha'Torah before learning Torah for the first time in the morning, but does this apply even if one reads Torah literature without understanding the text? Does this qualify as "learning" with respect to the obligation of Birkot Ha'Torah? Rav Schneur Zalman of Liadi (first Rebbe of Lubavitch, 1745-1812), in his Shulhan Aruch Ha'Rav, distinguishes in this regard between the Tanach and other texts. When one reads verses from the Torah, Nebi'im or Ketubim, this constitutes Torah learning regardless of whether or not he understands what he reads. When it comes to all other texts, however, reading them qualifies as Torah study only if one understands the material he reads. Similarly, the Mishna Berura cites the Magen Abraham (Rav Abraham Gombiner, Poland, 1635-1683) as stating that if one reads "Ezehu Mekoman" – the chapter of Mishna which is customarily read during the "Korbanot" section each morning – without understanding the text, this is not considered Torah study. This is true also of "Rabbi Yishmael Omer," the paragraph which is customarily read in the morning, listing the thirteen methods by which the Sages extracted Halachot from the Biblical text. If a person does not understand this passage, reading it does not qualify as Torah learning. This rule has ramifications with regard to Ereb Pesach, when it is customary for firstborns to participate in a Siyum celebration in order to be absolved from the "fast of the firstborn" (Ta'anit Bechorot) on this day. Hacham Ovadia Yosef writes that a Siyum is effective in absolving the firstborns of their obligation only if the person making the Siyum truly understood all the material in the Masechet (tractate of Talmud) which he completes. Simply reading the words does not suffice. The exception to this rule is the Zohar, the reading of which qualifies as Torah learning even if one does not understand what he reads – and even if he does not read the words correctly. This is the ruling of the Hida (Rav Haim Yosef David Azulai, 1724-1806) and of Rav Haim Palachi (Turkey, 1788-1868). The words of the Zohar have such power and potency that reading them has the effect of absorbing the content into one's being even if he does not understand what he reads. It is told that the Arizal (Rav Yishak Luria, 1534-1572) once advised somebody to read five pages of Zohar each day as a Tikkun (rectification) for his soul. And many have the custom to read from the Zohar Hadash each day during the month of Elul, until Yom Kippur, because the reading itself brings great spiritual benefits, even if one does not understand the text. Therefore, one who reads Zohar in the morning must first recite Birkot Ha'Torah. This exception is unique to the Zohar. Other Kabbalistic works – such as Sha'ar Ha'kavanot and the teachings of the Rashash (Rav Shalom Sharabi, 1720-1777) – elucidate and expound upon the teachings of the Zohar, and thus simply reading them without understanding what they say does not qualify as Torah learning. Returning the case of those who read "Hok Le'Yisrael," since this reading includes passages from the Tanach, one must recite Birkot Ha'Torah before reading this text in the morning, even if he does not understand anything he reads. This applies also to somebody who wishes to read Tehillim in the morning – he must first recite Birkot Ha'Torah, even though he does not understand the verses he recites, because Tehillim is part of the Tanach. In conclusion, it should be emphasized that although reading Tanach and Zohar without understanding the text qualifies as Torah study, we should always aspire to understand to the best of our ability. The sin of "Bittul Torah" (neglecting Torah) is normally defined as wasting time which could have been used for Torah, but it includes also wasting one's capabilities which could have been used to understand Torah. G-d gave us intellectual skills, the ability to comprehend, and we must utilize these powers to understand as much Torah as we can to the greatest extent possible. Today, when virtually every Torah text is available with translations and commentaries, there is really no excuse for reading any part of Torah literature without understanding the material. Summary: If one wishes to read verses from the Torah – such as Tehillim – in the morning, he must first recite Birkot Ha'Torah, even if he will not understand the text he will be reciting. This applies also to someone who wishes to read passages from the Zohar which he does not understand. Reading any other Torah text, however, does not qualify as Torah study unless one understands what he reads, and thus one who reads in the morning other Torah texts without understanding does not need to first recite Birkot Ha'Torah.

In all languages besides Hebrew, the letters are simply the way words are formed for the purpose of communication. They have no other function and no other significance. The Hebrew alphabet, however, is laden with great spiritual power. Our Sages teach that Hashem created the world using the letters of the Hebrew alphabet. When He proclaimed, "Yehi Or" ("There shall be light"), the letters that comprise these words brought light into existence. Likewise, the Gemara teaches that Besalel, the chief artisan who led the construction of the Mishkan, had the knowledge of how to combine different letters and form the various configurations through which the world was created. Beyond these creative powers, there are numerous layers of meanings to the Hebrew letters, their shapes, and also their numerical values (Gematria). Indeed, several Kabbalists authored works unearthing the deep secrets underlying the letters of the Hebrew alphabet. In light of this, one might wonder whether Birkot Ha'Torah must be recited before one learns the alphabet. If somebody did not receive a Jewish education as a child, and has now committed to religious observance, should he be told to recite Birkot Ha'Torah in the morning before he studies the Hebrew alphabet? Does this study qualify as the study of Torah that must be preceded by Birkot Ha'Torah? The answer is that in this case, where the person is studying only the letters themselves, what they look like and how to pronounce them, he does not need to recite Birkot Ha'Torah. Certainly, however, if one studies the depth and meaning behind the letters, then this is considered Torah learning, and he must recite Birkot Ha'Torah in the morning before such study. Must one recite Birkot Ha'Torah before studying Hebrew grammar? Rav Yaakob Emden (Germany, 1697-1776) addresses the question of whether one may study grammar in the restroom, where Torah learning is forbidden, and he writes that one should not, as studying Hebrew grammar will invariably lead him to think of verses in the Torah. It emerges from this ruling that studying grammar does not intrinsically qualify as Torah learning, and so it does not require the recitation of Birkot Ha'Torah. However, this applies only if a person studies grammar as a secular field of study. If one studies grammar specifically for the purpose of enhancing his understanding of Torah, then this qualifies as Torah learning, and requires Birkot Ha'Torah. Summary: If a person is learning the Hebrew alphabet, and he wishes to study the letters in the morning before reciting Birkot Ha'Torah, he may. However, if a person studies the depth and meaning behind the letters of the Hebrew alphabet, this qualifies as Torah study and requires the recitation of Birkot Ha'Torah. Studying Hebrew grammar as a secular field does not require the recitation of Birkot Ha'Torah, but learning Hebrew grammar for the sake of better understanding Torah qualifies as Torah learning and requires the recitation of Birkot Ha'Torah.

The Gemara in Masechet Nedarim (81a) famously attributes the destruction of the first Bet Ha'mikdash to the people's failure to recite Birkot Ha'Torah – the daily blessings over the Misva of Torah study. The prophet Yirmiyahu (9:11) rhetorically asks, "Al Ma Abeda Ha'aretz" – "On account of what was the land destroyed?" – and then relays to us Hashem's answer: "Al Ozbam Et Torati" – "on account of their abandoning My Torah." The Gemara clarifies that in truth, the people during the time of the first Bet Ha'mikdash learned Torah, but they were deemed guilty of "abandoning" the Torah in that they neglected to recite the required Berachot over Torah study. Later commentators advanced different approaches to explain why the failure to recite Birkot Ha'Torah was considered such a grievous infraction. One interpretation is that the Jews of the First Commonwealth viewed Torah study as nothing more than a practical necessity, a means of knowing what to do. They mistakenly thought that the only reason to learn Torah is to obtain the information needed for proper observance of the Misvot. But in truth, this is only one aspect of Torah learning. Certainly, we must learn practical Halacha so we can observe the Torah correctly – but the Misva of Torah study extends far beyond that. As we say each evening in the Arbit prayer, "Ki Hem Hayenu Ve'orech Yamenu" – "For they are our lives, and the length of our days." Torah is a vitally important component of religious life, the way we connect to Hashem and immerse ourselves in Kedusha. We learn Torah not just for the functional purpose of knowing how to perform the Misvot, but also as an integral part of our pursuit of spirituality and holiness, and our effort to build a close relationship with our Creator. During the time of the first Bet Ha'mikdash, the people did not recite Birkot Ha'Torah because Berachot are recited only over the fulfillment of a Misva, and not over the performance of a "Hechsher Misva" – the preparatory stage of a Misva. For example, we recite a Beracha on Sukkot when eat in the Sukka, which fulfills the Misva, but not when we build the Sukka, which we do only to facilitate the Misva. Similarly, a Sofer does not recite a Beracha when he prepares a pair of Tefillin; a Beracha is recited only when one actually fulfills the Misva by putting the Tefillin on. Hence, the people in the First Commonwealth, who mistakenly saw Torah study as just a means of facilitating Misva observance, did not see any reason to recite a Beracha over Torah study. But in truth, Torah study is itself a Misva – and an exceptionally important Misva – which warrants a Beracha, just like other Misvot. Rabbenu Yona (Spain, d. 1264) explained that the people of that time did not sufficiently value Torah learning. They learned Torah, but they failed to appreciate the singular importance of this great Misva, which, as the famous first Mishna in Pe'a teaches, is equivalent to all other Misvot combined ("Ve'talmud Torah Ke'negged Kulam"). The Gaon of Vilna (Rabbi Eliyahu of Vilna, 1720-1797) taught that each word of Torah that we learn is equivalent to the other 612 Misvot combined. The Jews during the period of the first Mikdash did not recognize the great value of this Misva – and they were thus considered to have neglected the Beracha, and for this they were punished.

The series of Berachot which we are required to recite each morning include Birkot Ha'Torah – three blessings over the privilege of studying Torah. The unique importance of these Berachot is expressed by the Gemara in Masechet Nedarim (81). The Gemara observes that some Torah scholars have children who do not become Torah scholars, and it attributes this phenomenon to the fact that these scholars do not recite Birkot Ha'Torah. It seems that in their eagerness to begin learning, they proceed directly to their studies without first reciting the Beracha over the Misva of Torah study. This neglect of Birkot Ha'Torah has an impact upon their children, causing them not to pursue Torah scholarship. Rav Yishak Abuhab (Spain, 14 th century) writes that the Gemara here refers to scholars who learned Torah as an intellectual exercise, for the mental satisfaction that Torah study brings, rather than for the purpose of fulfilling a Misva and connecting with Hashem. They therefore did not recite Birkot Ha'Torah, just as we do not recite Berachot over the study of other disciplines – because for them, Torah learning was just another field of study. This directly affected their children. In any event, it is clear from the Gemara's comment that one of the ways parents can help ensure that their children follow the path of Torah is by properly fulfilling the obligation of Birkot Ha'Torah. Many concerned parents approach me to receive advice, to ask what they can do so that their children will grow to become Torah-committed Jewish adults. One strategy is to recite Birkot Ha'Torah each morning with Kavana (concentration). Indeed, these Berachot include the prayer that our descendants should all study Torah ("Ve'niheyeh Anahnu Ve'se'esaenu Ve'se'esa'eh Se'esa'enu…"). By reciting this prayer with proper Kavana, we can help ensure that our children commit themselves to Torah. In our generation, especially, our children and grandchildren need all the help, encouragement and prayers they can get to remain committed to Torah learning, and so it behooves us all to do our part, which includes properly reciting Birkot Ha'Torah each morning. The Ateret Zekenim teaches that besides during Birkot Ha'Torah, there are also other places in the morning prayer service where one should pray with special intention that his offspring follow the path of Torah. One is the Beracha of "Ahabat Olam" recited before Shema, where we ask Hashem for the wisdom to properly learn and observe the Torah ("Ve'ten Be'libenu Bina Le'habin U'l'haskil…"). While one recites this prayer, he should have in mind his wish that his children and all his descendants become Torah scholars. And in the "U'ba Le'sion" prayer, we cite the verse in which G-d promises that the words of Torah "shall not leave your mouth, the mouth of your offspring, or the mouth of your offspring's offspring, from now and for all eternity" ("Lo Yamushu Mi'picha U'mi'pi Zar'acha…" – Yeshayahu 59:21). Here, too, one should pray that all his descendants will be devoted students of Torah. Toward the end of "U'ba Le'sion," we ask that Hashem "open our hearts" to learn Torah and to live with love and fear of Him – and one should concentrate at this point on his desire that his children grow to become Sadikim. Rav Yehezkel Landau of Prague (1713-1793) writes that in addition, reciting Birkot Ha'Torah properly, with Kavana, helps us remember the material we learn. Many students of Torah struggle to retain the information, and one way we can help remember what we learn is by paying closer attention to Birkot Ha'Torah each morning and reciting it with feeling and concentration.

The series of Berachot which we are required to recite each morning include Birkot Ha'Torah – three blessings over the privilege of studying Torah. The unique importance of these Berachot is expressed by the Gemara in Masechet Nedarim (81). The Gemara observes that some Torah scholars have children who do not become Torah scholars, and it attributes this phenomenon to the fact that these scholars do not recite Birkot Ha'Torah. It seems that in their eagerness to begin learning, they proceed directly to their studies without first reciting the Beracha over the Misva of Torah study. This neglect of Birkot Ha'Torah has an impact upon their children, causing them not to pursue Torah scholarship. Rav Yishak Abuhab (Spain, 14 th century) writes that the Gemara here refers to scholars who learned Torah as an intellectual exercise, for the mental satisfaction that Torah study brings, rather than for the purpose of fulfilling a Misva and connecting with Hashem. They therefore did not recite Birkot Ha'Torah, just as we do not recite Berachot over the study of other disciplines – because for them, Torah learning was just another field of study. This directly affected their children. In any event, it is clear from the Gemara's comment that one of the ways parents can help ensure that their children follow the path of Torah is by properly fulfilling the obligation of Birkot Ha'Torah. Many concerned parents approach me to receive advice, to ask what they can do so that their children will grow to become Torah-committed Jewish adults. One strategy is to recite Birkot Ha'Torah each morning with Kavana (concentration). Indeed, these Berachot include the prayer that our descendants should all study Torah ("Ve'niheyeh Anahnu Ve'se'esaenu Ve'se'esa'eh Se'esa'enu…"). By reciting this prayer with proper Kavana, we can help ensure that our children commit themselves to Torah. In our generation, especially, our children and grandchildren need all the help, encouragement and prayers they can get to remain committed to Torah learning, and so it behooves us all to do our part, which includes properly reciting Birkot Ha'Torah each morning. The Ateret Zekenim teaches that besides during Birkot Ha'Torah, there are also other places in the morning prayer service where one should pray with special intention that his offspring follow the path of Torah. One is the Beracha of "Ahabat Olam" recited before Shema, where we ask Hashem for the wisdom to properly learn and observe the Torah ("Ve'ten Be'libenu Bina Le'habin U'l'haskil…"). While one recites this prayer, he should have in mind his wish that his children and all his descendants become Torah scholars. And in the "U'ba Le'sion" prayer, we cite the verse in which G-d promises that the words of Torah "shall not leave your mouth, the mouth of your offspring, or the mouth of your offspring's offspring, from now and for all eternity" ("Lo Yamushu Mi'picha U'mi'pi Zar'acha…" – Yeshayahu 59:21). Here, too, one should pray that all his descendants will be devoted students of Torah. Toward the end of "U'ba Le'sion," we ask that Hashem "open our hearts" to learn Torah and to live with love and fear of Him – and one should concentrate at this point on his desire that his children grow to become Sadikim. Rav Yehezkel Landau of Prague (1713-1793) writes that in addition, reciting Birkot Ha'Torah properly, with Kavana, helps us remember the material we learn. Many students of Torah struggle to retain the information, and one way we can help remember what we learn is by paying closer attention to Birkot Ha'Torah each morning and reciting it with feeling and concentration.

The requirement to recite 100 Berachot each day refers to the period between sundown and sundown the following day. Hence, the Berachot recited in the evening count toward the next day's total with respect to this obligation. This gives rise to a number of interesting questions in situations where it is unclear how to classify a certain time-period. One such question involves Friday evenings in the summer, when many people recite Arbit and accept Shabbat early, before sundown (after the point of "Pelag Ha'minha"). Do those Berachot recited at Arbit – and the Berachot recited at the meal before sundown – count toward Friday's total of Berachot, since the sun has yet to set? Or, since one has accepted Shabbat, do these Berachot count toward the next day's number? Hacham Ovadia Yosef answered this question based on a ruling of the Taz (Rav David Segal, Poland, 1586-1667) regarding one who prayed Arbit early, before sundown, on the night of Shemini Aseret. In the case of Shemini Aseret, the day before this Yom Tob is Hoshana Rabba, the final day of Sukkot. Therefore, when one accepts Yom Tob early, before sundown, he faces the question of whether the time that remains until sundown is considered Sukkot or Shemini Aseret. In Israel, where people do not eat in the Sukka on Shemini Aseret, this question determines whether the individual must eat in the Sukka, because the sun has yet to set on the final day of Sukkot, or if he may eat inside his home, since he has already accepted Shemini Aseret, such that Sukkot has already ended. The Taz ruled that once the person recited Arbit, he has ushered in the new Halachic day, and so in this case, the individual does not need to eat in the Sukka. Hacham Ovadia accepts this ruling, and thus concludes that by the same token, one who accepts Shabbat early has transitioned to the next day, Shabbat, and all the Berachot he recites count toward Shabbat's total of Berachot, even though the sun is still out. This principle applies in the converse in the case of a Se'uda Shelishit meal that is eaten late in the afternoon on Shabbat, and continues after dark. Since the person has in effect extended Shabbat past sunset, the Berachot of Birkat Ha'mazon that he recites after dark still count toward Shabbat's total, as this period is still considered Shabbat. (However, if one recites Arbit during Se'uda Shelishit, then he has begun the new day, and thus the Berachot he recites subsequently during Birkat Ha'mazon will count toward Sunday's total.) This becomes especially important when we consider the difficulty entailed in reaching the total of 100 Berachot on Shabbat, when the Amida consists of only seven blessings (as opposed to the weekday Amida, which consists of 19 Berachot). Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (Jerusalem, 1910-1995) disagreed. He maintained that the obligation of 100 daily Berachot refers to the period from sunset to sunset, even if one accepts Shabbat before sunset or extends Shabbat past sunset. In his view, all the Berachot recited before sunset count toward the previous day's total, whereas the Berachot recited after sunset count toward the new day's total. (This poses a challenge for those who accept Shabbat early, as the Berachot of Arbit are not counted toward the required 100 Berachot of Shabbat.) In any event, we follow Hacham Ovadia's opinion, that if one accepts Shabbat early or extends Shabbat past sundown, the Berachot count toward Shabbat's total. Does this apply also on weekdays? If a person recites Arbit before sundown on a weekday during the summer, do the Berachot recited at Arbit, and Berachot recited subsequently, before sunset, count toward that day's number of Berachot, or the next day's total? This question seems to hinge on a debate among the Rishonim concerning the case of a woman who performed the Hefsek Tahara inspection (which establishes the cessation of bleeding, so she can begin the "seven clean days") after reciting Arbit. This inspection must be performed during the day, and the question thus becomes whether it is valid if was done before sundown but after the woman recited Arbit. The Terumat Ha'deshen (Rav Yisrael Isserlein, 1390-1460) maintained that once a person recites Arbit, even before sundown, he has begun Halachic nighttime, and thus the woman in this case has already begun the night, when it is too late to perform the Hefsek Tahara. By contrast, the Maharil (Rav Yaakob Moelin, Germany, 1365-1427) ruled that the recitation of Arbit does not affect the status of the time that remains until sunset, and it is still considered daytime. Therefore, the woman may still perform a Hefsek Tahara even after reciting Arbit, as long as the sun has not set. Hacham Ovadia Yosef, in his Taharat Ha'bayit, follows the Maharil's position, that a woman may perform a Hefsek Tahara after she recited Arbit if the sun has not set. We would thus seemingly assume that with regard to the obligation of 100 daily Berachot, too, reciting Arbit before sundown on a weekday does not mark the onset of nighttime, and thus the Berachot recited count toward that day's number of Berachot. A similar question arises in the case of a person who, for whatever reason, did not put on Tefillin all day, and recited Arbit before sundown. The Shulhan Aruch – seemingly following the opinion of the Terumat Ha'deshen – rules that this individual can no longer put on Tefillin, because by reciting Arbit he has begun the nighttime, when Tefillin are not worn. Hacham Ovadia, however, writes that the person can still put on Tefillin, since the sun had not set. Returning to the issue of the 100 daily Berachot, it would seem that according to the Shulhan Aruch, the Berachot recited during Arbit before sundown count toward the next day's total, whereas according to Hacham Ovadia, they count toward the previous day's total. Given the different opinions, this issue remains unresolved, and we cannot ascertain the status of Berachot recited after a person recited Arbit before sundown. Summary: If a person begins Shabbat early, before sundown, the Berachot he recites during Arbit and after Arbit count toward his number of blessings recited on Shabbat with respect to the obligation of 100 daily blessings, even though the sun has not yet. Likewise, if one extends Se'uda Shelishit past sundown, the Berachot of Birkat Ha'mazon count towards Shabbat's total, since he has yet to end Shabbat. On weekdays, however, if one recites Arbit before sundown, it is unclear whether those Berachot – and the Berachot recited after Arbit, before sundown – count toward the previous day's total, or the next day's total.