Q&A: Torah Study
Torah Study
Question
I want to describe to the Rabbi a certain situation I’m experiencing, and I’d be grateful for the dear Rabbi’s advice. Unfortunately, I left the yeshiva after I saw that I wasn’t managing to learn, and I enlisted in the army. My yeshiva head told me that I was destined to become a great Torah scholar and that after the army I would return to learning. Right now, during my free time in the army, I’m not able to concentrate on anything. There’s something else I’d like the Rabbi to be aware of as well; if I could speak with the Rabbi in a conversation about this topic, I would be very happy. In any case, regarding what the Rabbi said: I have a great desire to become a Torah scholar and to study Torah. But I felt bored in the place where I was learning, to the point that I wasn’t able to study consistently. Does that mean that this is it? That there’s no option to come back? I was thinking of moving to Netivot Olam, where the Rabbi studied.
Answer
You’re welcome to talk. In any case, there is no point at all in making decisions now about the future. When you get closer to your discharge, decide according to your situation at that time. The current fatalism is unnecessary and unjustified. By the way, even if you come to the conclusion that it’s not right for you, nothing terrible has happened. Talent is not the only condition for growth in Torah. It’s not even the most important one. It has to interest you, and you need patience and the ability to sit and persist. It’s also possible to contribute and grow in other areas.
Discussion on Answer
That’s something for a psychologist, not for me. Wishing you a full recovery.
CBT treatment can really help you.
I recommend turning to a qualified professional (preferably a clinical psychologist or a social worker who has specialized in this area).
Good luck!
Basically, I’m dealing with depression and I have a lot of noise in my head, which interferes with me—intrusive thoughts, as they call it…