Q&A: Talmud or Maimonides
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
Talmud or Maimonides
Question
Hello Rabbi,
I’m a physics and computer science student, so I don’t have much time left for Torah study. I have something like 20–25 minutes a day that I can devote to learning. I’m debating what would be better for me to study: each day a page of Talmud with Rashi, or a chapter of Maimonides with a lesson by Rabbi Chaim Sabato, in which Rabbi Sabato looks a bit into the relevant passages.
What’s the best way to use the little time I have? Talmud or Maimonides?
Answer
Where your heart is drawn.
Discussion on Answer
I don’t have a general answer to a question like that. Study where your heart is drawn. Personally, I tend to favor in-depth analysis over breadth, but that also depends on how much knowledge you’re accumulating and how much knowledge you already have.
I’m drawn to both, enjoy both, and love both. The question is: what’s more effective for me? What will advance me more in learning?