By Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal
SAN DIEGO –There is a long running dispute in Jewish tradition over which is more important: the study of Torah or the performance of mitzvot. It is generally accepted that Torah study is more important, but only because it leads to the performance of mitzvot.
Nevertheless, Torah study, in and of itself, is highly valued. This week’s parasha begins: “If you follow my laws and observe my commandments…” (Lev. 30:3). Rashi observed the seeming redundancy in the verse: “follow my laws” is essentially the same as “observe my commandments.” Since the Torah can neither be redundant nor self-contradictory, Rashi teaches that we need to understand the text differently:
“‘Follow my laws’ would seem to mean ‘observe my commandments.’ But if that is stated explicitly, what is meant by ‘follow my laws’? That one should labor in the study of Torah.” (Rashi on Lev. 26:3)
Rashi tells us that not only is Torah study obligatory but that it is also challenging and demanding. One needs to “labor” in the study of Torah. We must not expect easy answers. We must probe and dig if we are to comprehend Torah’s deeper meaning.
A frustrated young yeshiva student once approached the Chofetz Chaim and asked: “Rabbi, I have already studied Torah for many years and I have yet to feel blessed by my study. Despite my learning, I still am not able to understand a page of Talmud. What good is all my effort?”
The Chofetz Chaim responded: “My young student, the Holy One did not command us to be geniuses and scholars. God only commanded us to study the Torah day and night – to labor in the study of Torah, to probe its depths and root out its secrets. Furthermore, who is designated a lamdan (learned person)? Not one who knows the Torah, but rather one who knows how to study Torah.”
Jewish learning can at times seem overwhelming. There is so much material that Jews are put off before they begin. The Chofetz Chaim would have us understand that when it comes to Torah, the journey is more important than the destination. As long as one continues to grapple and toil with Jewish tradition, one fulfills the mitzvah of talmud Torah.
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Rabbi Rosenthal is spiritual leader of Tifereth Israel Synagogue in San Diego. He may be contacted via leonard.rosenthal@sdjewishworld.com. Comments intended for publication in the space below MUST be accompanied by the letter writer’s first and last name and by his/ her city and state of residence (city and country for those outside the United States.)