Q&A: Extending the Concept of “Neglect of Torah Study” to Other Values
Extending the Concept of “Neglect of Torah Study” to Other Values
Question
Hello Rabbi Michi,
Do you think the concept of “neglect of Torah study” can also be extended to neglect of other areas, such as neglecting commandments that are not obligatory?
For example: if a person had the ability to study medicine and did not do so, and instead wasted his time, is he considered to have neglected something of value and therefore deserving of criticism?
Answer
Clearly. The concept of neglect of Torah study is not a halakhic one. Especially according to the opinions that one fulfills the commandment of Torah study with the recitation of the Shema morning and evening, with no obligation beyond that, then what is “neglect of Torah study”? We are forced to conclude that its meaning is failing to engage in something of value even if one is not obligated to do it. If so, the same applies to any valuable pursuit. But the proper expression is not neglecting medical studies, but wasting time. What will you do with that time? Will you study medicine or read quality literature? That is up to your judgment. So in essence, the concept of neglect of Torah study means neglecting a worthwhile pursuit, or wasting time. From this it follows that there is no need to extend the concept. That itself is what it means.