Q&A: Breadth vs. In-Depth Study and Knowledge of the Talmud
Breadth vs. In-Depth Study and Knowledge of the Talmud
Question
Hello and blessings to the Rabbi,
Peace and blessings to the esteemed Rabbi. I value breadth of knowledge, but the Rabbi’s statements about the relatively limited importance of knowledge as compared to common sense, dialectical analysis, and depth have made me rethink the matter.
Does the Rabbi really think that, as a yeshiva student, one should not focus on broad coverage (of course, without giving up the primary in-depth study session)? If so, then when exactly is a person supposed to know the Talmud? In kollel? In a Daf Yomi class after work? In a nursing home?… Or does the Rabbi not see any real value in knowing the Talmud as a whole (and for this purpose, leaving aside the aggadic passages)?
By the way, I aspire (as a yeshiva student) to learn at least 4–7 pages of Talmud every day. According to the Rabbi’s view, is that basically a waste of time, since it would be better to learn in-depth study during the second session as well, etc.?
Answer
Each person according to his own inclinations. The goal is not to know what is written in the Talmud, but to understand it and its implications. There is some value to broad coverage, and if you are capable of learning that way properly, then it is certainly worth investing some time in it. I recommend not merely learning the Talmud, but trying to reach the fundamental ideas found in it. That can be done with the help of summary books. In general, in my opinion, broad coverage has its proper place after one has developed proficiency in in-depth study, not before. Once you are skilled in in-depth study, you will be able to do proper broad study—that is, to do in-depth study quickly.