Q&A: Continuous Torah Study
Continuous Torah Study
Question
Hello Rabbi,
In a theoretical case where I can choose between two options: either to study Torah continuously all day, or to study with breaks (maybe even many of them), that is, non-continuously. Assuming that the output, so to speak, of both tracks would be identical, which is the right one to choose? Put differently, is there something in Torah study beyond the amount of output I manage to get from it—for example, the very time during which I am occupied with study?
Thank you very much in advance.
Answer
I didn’t understand the question. You should study as much as you can, both in time and in productivity. The question of continuity is not important, because the obligation applies at every moment.
Discussion on Answer
Obviously one has to use common sense. There’s no reason to study inefficiently. At most, study efficiently, and then add more time to learn something else.
Perhaps Rabbi Davida, the questioner, will come and clarify whether my example really captured his question itself—that is, whether for him continuity is not an issue in itself, but rather the total amount of time in which he fulfills the commandment of Torah study—or not.
Sorry for the delay—two years!
Rabbi Tigritz did indeed understand what I meant, in my opinion, and I’ll sharpen the question a bit more.
What would the answer be in a case where, for example, psychological studies show that learning with breaks (for example, the Pomodoro method) yields better understanding and retention? Is there still value in studying continuously (as the Rabbi presented it, that there is an obligation at each and every moment), or is study guided by output and efficiency?
Again, thank you in advance.
There is value both in the time spent studying and in the knowledge gained, but there’s no need to take things to an extreme. Clearly, a reasonable dose of common sense is the right approach, and there’s no point in just wasting time. If there’s an advantage to interrupted study, then study that way.
A bit surprising. If someone can study a page of Talmud over two hours while tired, or sleep for an hour and study that same page at the same level in one hour while alert, are you saying that the two tired hours are preferable?