Q&A: Studying Talmud on the Couch
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
Studying Talmud on the Couch
Question
Hello Rabbi
Is it permitted to study Torah on the couch? And what about studying while lying down? Sometimes it’s more comfortable for me to study that way than to sit at a table, but on the other hand this is the study of the word of God, and we don’t pray that way because it’s considered disrespectful. Thanks, Yair
Answer
I think that if it’s more comfortable and helps your learning, there’s no problem.
Discussion on Answer
What about tefillin while lying down for someone who is weak?
What’s the point of this flood of questions? Are you writing a book on the laws of lying down? Or are you planning to live lying down over the next few days?
All the answers are correct.
What about the morning Shema while lying down? As for the bedtime Shema, some even say that you’re supposed to, no?
Grace after meals is valid after the fact even while standing. What about lying down?