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==Obligation==
[[Image:Learning Torah.jpg|300px|right]]
# One should be very careful to say Birchot HaTorah before learning.<Ref>Shulchan Aruch 47:1</ref> The brachot should be said with great [[Simcha]] (happiness) for being fortunate enough to be chosen and be privileged with the Torah. <ref>Mishna Brurah 47:4 </ref>
Before one learns Torah one must recite the Birchot HaTorah, praising God for giving us, the Chosen Nation, His Torah, and beseeching Him to make it sweet for us and our descendants.
# Before one learns Torah one must recite the Birchot HaTorah <ref> Ramban in Sefer HaMitzvot of the Rambam adds Birkat HaTorah as a Mitzvah Deoraita based on Gemara Brachot which learns these brachot from the Pasuk ''“Ki Shem Hashem Ekrah Havu Godel LeElokenu"''. See Ramban there and Minchat Chinuch 430:5 who classify these brachot as brachot of praise. Because of the dispute in the Rishonim as to whether these brachot are Deoraita or Derabanan the rule of [[Safek Brachot LeHakel]] still applies. </ref>
==The Obligation to Recite Birchot HaTorah Daily==
===Min HaTorah or MiDeRabbanan===
# The level of obligation of Birchot HaTorah is subject to debate. Some say it is a Torah-level obligation, while others argue it is merely rabbinic.<ref> Ramban in Sefer HaMitzvot of the Rambam adds Birkat HaTorah as a Mitzvah Deoraita based on Gemara Brachot which learns these brachot from the pasuk ''“Ki Shem Hashem Ekrah Havu Godel LeElokenu"''. See Mishkenot Yaakov OC 43 and Mishnah Berurah 47:1 for more details. See Ramban there and Minchat Chinuch 430:5 who classify these brachot as brachot of praise (Birkot HaShevach). Because of the dispute in the [[Rishonim]] as to whether these brachot are Deoraita or Derabanan the rule of [[Safek Brachot LeHakel]] still applies. </ref>
===Women===
# Women may recite Birchot HaTorah daily.<ref>Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 47:14, Magen Avraham 47:17 explains that it is because women have to learn the Halachot relevant to them.</ref> Some say they are obligated to, while others argue it is optional.<ref>Minchat Chinuch 430:5 says that women can make these brachot because it is a praise of Hashem for giving us the Torah. The Gra 47:18 argues that women should not have to recite the brachot since they are exempt from Torah learning. However, he allows women to recite the brachot like any other mitzvah from which women are exempt, Ashkenazic custom is to allow them to make a bracha. See Piskei Teshuvot 47 fn. 162 for a comprehensive list.<br/>
Rav Ben Tzion Abba Shaul (Or LeTzion 2:4:10) is quoted weighing the various reasons and concluding that women are not obligated but should still recite the Berachot because they and anybody recite the beracha on the pleasure of Torah study, and it's like they are obligated, because they get reward from their husband and children's Torah study. Rav Ovadia (Yabia Omer 9 OC 108 fn. 5) rejects his reasoning.</ref>
# If a woman is unsure if she recited Birchot HaTorah, she may not recite them out of doubt, even according to those who argue reciting Birchot HaTorah is a Torah level obligation.<Ref>Kaf HaChaim, Orach Chaim 47:34, Yalkut Yosef Orach Chaim 47:19, Halacha Berurah 47:27, Otzrot Yosef 21.</ref>
 
===The Proper Mindset for Birkot HaTorah===
# One should be very careful to say Birchot HaTorah before learning.<Ref>Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 47:1</ref> The brachot should be said with great [[Simcha]] (happiness) for being fortunate enough to be chosen and be privileged with the Torah.<ref>Mishna Brurah 47:4 </ref>
# One should be particularly careful about saying the Birchot HaTorah because they show one's appreciation of Hashem’s gift of Torah to the Jewish people.<ref> Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 47:1. Gemara Nedarim 81a it is maintained that because the Jews did not say Birchot HaTorah the fist Bet HaMikdash and [[Israel]] was destroyed. The Bach 47:1 explains that their intention was to learn Torah just to learn the knowledge and be arrogant in their wisdom. They did not internalize the holiness of Torah into their body and soul and this caused Hashem’s Shechina to be removed. </ref>
 
==One Who Forgets to Recite the Brachot==
===Ahavat Olam===
# The bracha of Ahavat Olam (the second bracha of [[Kriyat Shema|Birchot Kriyat Shema]]) exempts one’s obligation of Birchot HaTorah only if one learns immediately after tefillah.<ref> Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 47:7 based on Brachot 11b says that one can fulfill one's obligation of reciting the brachot with the bracha before Shema. Mishna Brurah 47:15 in name of Levush says that one can finish tefillah and it is not considered an interruption. Beiur Halacha s.v. Im Lamad implies from the Or Zaruh that finishing tefillah is ok but talking would be an interruption. See Chikrei Lev vol. 9 regarding the requisite Kavanna to fulfill one's obligation.</ref>
 
===If He Remembered During Davening===
#If one forgot to say Birchot HaTorah and remembered in middle of [[Pesukei DeZimrah]] one should say it between the paragraphs in [[Pesukei DeZimrah]].<ref>Mishna Brurah 51:10 </ref>
#If one forgot to say Birchot HaTorah and only remembered in [[Kriyat Shema|Brachot Kriyat Shema]] one should not interrupt to say the [[Brachot]] but rather have intent to fulfill one’s obligation of [[Birchot HaTorah]] with Ahavat Olam and then learn a little right after [[davening]].<ref>Mishna Brurah 52:9 </ref>
#If one forgot to say Birchot HaTorah before [[davening]] and only remembered afterwards and did not learn right after [[davening]], one should not say [[Birchot HaTorah]] because there is a doubt amongst poskim as to whether one fulfilled one’s obligation.<ref>Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 47:8 </ref>
 
===One Who is Unsure If He Recited The Berachot===
# Someone who is in doubt as to whether they have already recited Birchot HaTorah, preferably should hear someone else make the brachot (the listener should have intent to be fulfilling his obligation by listening to the other person making the brachot and the speaker should have intent to fulfill his own as well as the listeners obligation by reciting the brachot), otherwise one should have intent to fulfill the obligation with the bracha of Ahavah Rabba or Ahavat Olam and learn right after [[davening]].
# If that is not possible, according to Ashkenazim, one may make the bracha of the Asher Bacher Banu. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 47:1 </ref> However, according to Sephardim, if one can not hear the bracha from someone else or have intent that one's bracha of Ahavat Olam fulfills one's obligation, one should not say the brachot.<reF>Sephardim do not make a bracha because it is a [[safek brachot lehakel]] since it is a dispute in the rishonim whether Birchot HaTorah are Deoritta (Ramban) or Derabanan (Rambam). This is also the opinion of (Yalkut Yosef Hilchot Pesukei DeZimrah 47:2 pg 60). Orchot Maran 5:6 writes that once when Rav Ovadia Yosef wasn't sure if he recited Birchot Hatorah asked him, Rav Dovid Yosef, to recite it for him. Ashkenazim can make the Asher Bachar Banu bracha as the Mishna Brurah 47:1 says in the name of the Shagat Aryeh.</ref>
 
===One Who Cannot Recite the Berachot===
# There is a dispute whether it is forbidden to learn Torah without brachot hatorah when one can't otherwise recite brachot.<ref>Rav Nevinsal in Mishna Brurah 47:28 quotes Rav Shlomo Zalman and Chazon Ish who held that it is permitted to learn when one can't recite the brachot because of safek brachot lehakel. See Minchat Shlomo 91:1 s.v. agav.</ref>


==The Text of the Brachot==
==The Text of the Brachot==
# The first bracha Ashkenazim conclude with the words “LaAsoak BeDivrei Torah” and Sephardim conclude with the words “Al Divrei Torah" <ref> Shulchan Aruch 47:5 based on Rif (Brachot 5b), Rambam (Tefilah 7:10), Talmedei Rabbenu Yonah (Brachot 5b D”H  Maiy Mevarech) and Arizal (Shaar Kavonot Nusach Hatefilah) have the version of Sephardim - Al Divrei Torah. Rosh (Brachot 1:13) and Tur 47 have the version of the Ashkenazim of LaAsoak BeDivrei Torah. </ref>  
# Ashkenazim conclude the first bracha with the words “LaAsoak BeDivrei Torah” and Sephardim conclude with the words “Al Divrei Torah" <ref> Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 47:5 based on Rif (Brachot 5b), Rambam (Tefilah 7:10), Talmedei Rabbenu Yonah (Brachot 5b D”H  Maiy Mevarech) and Arizal (Shaar Kavonot Nusach Hatefilah) have the version of Sephardim - Al Divrei Torah. Rosh (Brachot 1:13) and Tur 47 have the version of the Ashkenazim of LaAsoak BeDivrei Torah. </ref>  
# The second section begins VeHaRev Nah with a Vav. Some Ashkenazim have the custom to say it without a Vav. <ref> Shulchan Aruch 47:6 based on Tosfot (Brachot 46a s.v. Kol, Ketubot 8a s.v. Shehakol in name of Rabbenu Tam), Rosh (Brachot 1:13), Rabbenu Yonah (5b s.v. Veha), Rashi 11b s.v. VeRabbi Yochanan, and Mordechai 31 hold that Harev Nah of Birchat HaTorah starts with a Vav. This opinion holds that really there are only two brachot of Birkat HaTorah. Rama 47:6 says that the practice is to say it without a Vav but it is better to say it without a Vav to satisfy all opinions. This opinion is sourced in the Rambam (Tefilah 7:10), Rashba (Brachot 11b s.v. VeRabbi Yochanan), Bal HaMor s.v. Maiym, and Avudraham pg 44. This opinion holds that Birkat HaTorah is really three brachot.</ref>
# The second section begins "VeHaRev Na" with a "Vav." Some Ashkenazim have the custom to say it without a Vav.<ref> Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 47:6 based on Tosfot (Brachot 46a s.v. Kol, Ketubot 8a s.v. Shehakol in name of Rabbenu Tam), Rosh (Brachot 1:13), Rabbenu Yonah (5b s.v. Veha), Rashi 11b s.v. VeRabbi Yochanan, and Mordechai 31 hold that Harev Nah of Birchat HaTorah starts with a Vav. This opinion holds that really there are only two brachot of Birkat HaTorah. Rama Orach Chaim 47:6 says that the practice is to say it without a Vav but it is better to say it with a Vav to satisfy all opinions. This opinion is sourced in the Rambam (Hilchot Tefilah 7:10), Rashba (Brachot 11b s.v. VeRabbi Yochanan), Baal HaMor s.v. Mayim, and Avudraham pg 44. This opinion holds that Birkat HaTorah in reality consists of three brachot.</ref>
# When saying Birchot HaTorah especially “VeNehiyeh Anachnu VeTzeTzeynu” one should pray for one’s children to be Talmidei Chachamim, Tzaddikim, and Baalei [[Middot]]. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 47:9, 10 </ref>
# When saying Birchot HaTorah especially “VeNehiyeh Anachnu VeTzeTzeynu” one should pray for one’s children to be Talmidei Chachamim, Tzaddikim, and Baalei [[Middot]]. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 47:9, 10 </ref>
# The minhag is to say the Pesukim of [[Birkat Cohanim]] and the משניות of Elu Devarim after Birchot HaTorah. If one didn’t learn then, it’s a dispute whether one fulfilled one’s obligation and so one should have intent to fulfill one’s obligation with the Bracha of Ahava Rabba. <Ref>S”A 47:9-10, Mishna Brurah 47:19-20 </ref>
# The minhag is to say the Pesukim of [[Birkat Cohanim]] and (for Ashkenazim) the Mishnayot of Elu Devarim after Birchot HaTorah. If one did not learn them immediately after reciting the Berachot, there is a dispute whether one fulfilled one’s obligation or not. In this situation, one should have intent to fulfill one’s obligation with the bracha of Ahava Rabbah and Shema.<Ref>Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 47:9-10, Mishna Brurah 47:19-20 </ref>
# There is a dispute whether the first bracha of Birchot HaTorah includes Haarev Nah or not. In light of this, there's a dispute whether one should answer [[Amen]] if one hears someone finish the bracha of LaAsok BeDivrei Torah, for Ashkenazim, or Al Divrei Torah, for Sephardim. Therefore, some advise saying this bracha quietly so that the listener won't be in doubt whether to answer [[Amen]] or not. <ref>Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 7:1</ref>
# There is a dispute whether the first bracha of Birchot HaTorah includes VeHa'erev Nah or not. In light of this, there is a dispute whether one should answer [[Amen]] if one hears someone finish the bracha of LaAsok BeDivrei Torah, for Ashkenazim, or Al Divrei Torah, for Sephardim. Therefore, some advise saying this bracha quietly so that the listener will not be in doubt whether to answer [[Amen]] or not.<ref>Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 7:1</ref> The Sephardic custom is to answer Amen, though.<ref>Or LeTzion 2:4:5 citing the Chida and Ben Ish Chai and reporting that this is the common Sephardic custom.</ref>
[[Image:Text_of_Birchot_HaTorah.png|650px]]
[[Image:Text_of_Birchot_HaTorah.png|650px|center]]
## Baruch Atta Hashem… Asher Kidishanu BeMitzvotav… Lasoak B'divrei Torah (Sephardi: Al Divrei Torah).
## ''Baruch Atta Hashem… Asher Kidishanu BeMitzvotav… Lasoak B'divrei Torah'' (Sephardi: ''Al Divrei Torah'').
## VeHaRev Nah Hashem Elokenu… Halomed Torah LeAmo Yisrael. <ref> Shulchan Aruch 47:6 rules that the Bracha of HaRev Nah begins with the letter Vav to connect it to the last Bracha. The Rama writes that others hold that one should say it without a vav, it's better to say it with a vav. Magen Avraham 47:4 explains that the vav shows that the first and text [[brachot]] are really one long bracha, and the opinion that the Rama quotes who argues that there should be no vav holds that they are considered two separate [[brachot]]. Mishna Brurah 47:11 agrees.</ref>
## ''''VeHaRev Nah Hashem Elokenu… Halomed Torah LeAmo Yisrael''.<ref> Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 47:6 rules that the bracha of HaRev Nah begins with the letter Vav to connect it to the last bracha. The Rama writes that though others hold that one should say it without a Vav, it is better to say it with a Vav. Magen Avraham 47:4 explains that the Vav shows that the first and following brachot are really one long bracha, and the opinion that the Rama quotes who argues that there should be no Vav holds that they are considered two separate brachot. Mishna Brurah 47:11 agrees.</ref>
## Baruch Atta Hashem… Asher Bachar Banu Mekol HaAmim… Baruch Atta Hashem Noten HaTorah <ref> S”A 47:5 </ref>
## ''Baruch Atta Hashem… Asher Bachar Banu Mekol HaAmim… Baruch Atta Hashem Noten HaTorah''<ref> Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 47:5 </ref>
 
==What Type of Learning Requires Birchot HaTorah?==
===Content===
# One has to recite Birchot HaTorah for any learning including Torah, Midrash, Mishna, and Gemara.<ref> [[Brachot]] 11b, Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 47:2, Yalkut Yosef 47:2 </ref>
 
===Writing===
# Writing Torah even without reading, if one understands what one is writing, is considered learning for which one has to recite Birchot HaTorah.<ref> Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 47:3 based on Avudraham (Birchot Hashachar beginning). Magen Avraham 47:1 adds that one has to understand what one is writing in order for it to be considered learning, but just copying over text is not learning. This is also the opinion of Biur Heitev 47:2. </ref>
===Thinking and Hearing===
# According to Ashkenazim, one should not think Torah before making Birchot HaTorah, as there is a dispute whether or not thinking Torah requires a Beracha beforehand. However, it is permissible to do a Mitzvah before reciting the Beracha even though it will cause one to think about the laws of the Mitzvah.<ref>Mishna Brurah 47:7 because of the Gra who argues on Shulchan Aruch.</ref> According to Sephardim thinking words of Torah does not require Birchot HaTorah, so it is permissible to think Torah before Birchot HaTorah.<ref> Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 47:4 based on Shabbat 151a, Agur 2, and Tosfot 20b s.v. VeRav Chisda. This is also the opinion of Yalkut Yosef (vol 3 pg 81) that it is permissible to think Torah before Birchat HaTorah. </ref>
# Hearing a speech of Divrei Torah from a person or an electronic device requires the brachot.<ref> Yalkut Yosef 47:5. Halichot Shlomo Tefillah 6:5 writes that certainly listening to a shiur requires birchot hatorah but listening to a recorded shiur might not. He explains that the mechanism of listening to a shiur being considered learning isn't based on [[Shomea Koneh]]. Rather it is based on the fact that it is original model of how learning Torah should be. That is, learning Torah involves a speaker and a listener and both are learning. See Tosfot Brachot 20b who seems to apply Shomea Koneh to Talmud Torah. See further the Machzik Bracha 47:4 who says that listening to a shiur requires birchot hatorah because of Shomea Koneh and has to answer why the Rosh, Tur and Shulchan Aruch O.C. 141 hold that Shomea Koneh doesn't work for Kriyat Hatorah. His answer is that the particular takana of kriyat hatorah excluded using Shomea Koneh. Dirshu 47:10 quotes Rav Chaim Kanievsky (Dirshu Gilyon 3) that listening to a shiur even on a recording requires birchat hatorah. His proof is Tosfot Brachot 20b that even if there's not someone speaking who is a person those listening are considered learning.</ref>
# Looking into a Sefer Kodesh and only reading with one’s eyes, even without saying the words, requires brachot.<ref> Yalkut Yosef 47:6 </ref>
 
===Teaching a Halacha===
# Telling someone a halacha without giving a reason is a dispute of the poskim, some are lenient, but others recommend one be strict to say Birchot HaTorah beforehand.<ref> Rama on Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 47:4 based on Ran (on the Rif Shabbat 4b s.v. Makom, Avoda Zara 19b s.v. Tana, Chiddushei HaRan Avodah Zarah 44b) allows this because it is just like thoughts of Torah. However Yalkut Yosef 47:7 rules that because of a double doubt one should be strict to recite brachot. </ref>
 
===Pesukim as Prayer===
# Reciting Pesukim in a manner of prayer and not learning is permissible for Ashkenazim prior to reciting Birchot HaTorah and more or less prohibited for Sephardim.<Ref>Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 46:9). See Chikrei Lev 9, Yosef Ometz 66, Yabia Omer 4 OC 7, Or LeTzion 2:4:4, and Yabia Omer 9 OC 108:29 for a discussion regarding whether or not Shulchan Aruch thinks it's permissible according to the letter of the law and is just being strict or he actually holds it is prohibited. Rav Ovadia and Rav Ben Tzion agree that MeIkar HaDin, Shulchan Aruch thinks it's permissible and the custom is just to be strict, so they allow one to answer Kedushah and the 13 Middot, respectively, if one is caught in a minyan that is reciting them and has not yet recited Birchot HaTorah. Magen Avot Orac Chaim 6 fn 6 notes how although some people did seem to take the lenient approach in Morocco, one cannot call it a Minhag because they were just following how it was printed in the siddur and also some people would recite the Berachot at home, anyway.</ref> See [[Chodesh_Elul#Order_of_Selichot|Chodesh_Elul, Order_of_Selichot]].
# One who hears a bracha may answer [[Amen]] before having recited these berachot themself. One also may answer Kedushah before reciting these brachot, even though the responses are themselves biblical verses.<ref> Sh"t Rivivot Ephraim 1:39:1 </ref>
===Mitzvot===
# According to many poskim one may perform mitzvot without reciting birchot hatorah.<ref>Gra 47:10 writes that one may perform mitzvot without reciting Birchot Hatorah since thinking about them isn't done with the intention to learn. Mishna Brurah 47:7 follows the Gra. However, the Bikkurei Yakov 644:1 writes that before shaking the lulav one should recite birchot hatorah. (See Agur siman 1 cited by Bet Yosef 47:11 who writes that observing halacha in the bathroom prevents one from having an interruption for one's brachot hatorah since that is like learning. That implies observing halacha and certainly mitzvot is like learning. But the Biur Hagra 47 s.v. vhu hadin writes that the Agur is incorrect because observing mitzvot isn't learning. Also, see Biur Halacha 588:2 s.v. shma who suggests that thinking about mitzvot is like learning Torah with respect to learning in the bathroom.)</ref>


==The extent of the obligation==
==When to Recite Birchot HaTorah==
# One should be particularly careful about saying the Birchot HaTorah because they show one's appreciation of Hashem’s gift of Torah to the Jewish people. <ref> S”A 47:1. Gemara Nedarim 81a says because the Jews didn’t say Birchot HaTorah the fist Bet HaMikdash and [[Israel]] was destroyed. The Bach 57:1 explains that their intention was to learn Torah just to learn the knowledge and be arrogant in their wisdom. They didn’t internalize the holiness of Torah into their body and soul and this caused Hashem’s Shechina to be removed. </ref>
# Some hold Birchot HaTorah are a Biblical Mitzvah and some consider it a Rabbinic institution. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 47:1 </ref>
# Someone who was in doubt, preferably should hear someone else make the [[Brachot]] (and both the listener and the speaker should have intent to fulfill the obligation), otherwise one should have intent to fulfill the obligation with the Bracha of Ahavah Rabba or Ahavat Olam and learn right after [[Davening]]. If that’s not possible, according to Ashkenazim, one may make the Bracha of the Asher Bacher Banu. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 47:1 </ref> However, according to Sephardim, if one can't hear the bracha from someone else or have intent that one's bracha of Ahavat Olam fulfill one's obligation, one should not say the [[brachot]].<reF>Yalkut Yosef 47:2 writes that since there are some who hold [[brachot hatorah]] are derabbanan if one is in doubt one should not say the bracha based on the klal of [[safek brachot lehakel]].</ref>
# One has to make Birchot HaTorah for any learning including Torah, midrash, Mishna, and Gemara. <ref> [[Brachot]] 11b, S”A 47:2, Yalkut Yosef 47:2 </ref>
# Women are also obligated in making the Birchot HaTorah. <ref> S”A 47:14, Magen Avraham 47:17 explains that it’s because women have to learn the Halachot relevant to them. Minchat [[Chinuch]] 430:5 says that women can make these [[Brachot]] because it’s a praise of Hashem for giving us the Torah. The Gra 47:18 argues that women shouldn’t have to make the [[Brachot]] because they’re exempt from Torah learning. However he allows women to make the [[Brachot]] like any other mitzvah from which women are exempt, Ashkenazic custom is to allow them to make a bracha. </ref>


==What Type of Learning Requires Birchot HaTorah?==
#One should say [[Birchot HaTorah]] prior to saying any pesukim as [[tefillah]].<ref>Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 46:9, Mishna Brurah 46:27 </ref>
# Writing Torah even without reading, if one understands what he’s writing, is considered learning for which you have to make Birchot HaTorah. <ref> S”A 47:3 based on Avudraham pg 32. Magen Avraham 47:1 adds that one has to understand what he’s writing to be considered learning, but just copying over text isn’t learning. This is also the opinion of Buir Heitev 47:2 </ref>
 
# According to Ashkenazim, because of a dispute one should not think Torah before making Birchot HaTorah, however it’s permissible to do a Mitzvah even though it’ll cause one to thing about the laws of the Mitzvah. <ref>Mishna Brurah 47:7 because of the Gra who argues on Shulchan Aruch. </ref> However, according to Sephardim thinking words of Torah don't require Birchot HaTorah and so it's permissible to think Torah before Birchat HaTorah. <ref> S”A 47:4 based on [[Shabbat]] 151a, Agur 2, and Tosfot 20b s.v. VeRav Chisda. This is also the opinion of Yalkut Yosef (vol 3 pg 81) that it's permissible to think Torah before Birchat HaTorah. </ref>
==How to Recite Birchot HaTorah==
# Hearing a speech of Divrei Torah from a person or an electronic device requires the [[Brachot]]. <ref> Yalkut Yosef 47:5 </ref>
# The brachot can be recited standing or sitting.<ref> Yalkut Yosef 47:15 pg 94 </ref>
# Looking into a Sefer Kodesh and only reading with one’s eyes, even without saying the words, requires [[Brachot]]. <ref> Yalkut Yosef 47:6 </ref>
# It is good to recite one's bracha out loud, to enable others to respond [[Amen]]; however, this is not an obligation.<ref> Sh"t Rivivot Ephraim 1:39:2 </ref>
# Telling someone a halacha without giving a reason is a dispute of the poskim and should be strict to say Torah [[Brachot]]. <ref> Rama on S”A 47:4 based on Ran ([[Shabbat]] 4b s.v. Makom, Avoda Zara 19b s.v. Tana) allows this because it’s just like thoughts of torah. However Yalkut Yosef 47:7 rules that because of a double doubt one should be strict to make [[Brachot]]. </ref>
# Some say that one can interrupt between the brachot and the learning, but it is correct not to do so. So the practice is the say the Parshat [[Birkat Cohanim]] right after the brachot.<ref> Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 47:9. Tosfot Brachot 11b s.v. Shkevar in name of the Ri, Rabbenu Yonah 5b, and Mordechai 31 hold an interruption is not a problem. Rambam (as understood by Bet Yosef) holds one may not make an interruption. Magen Avraham 47:8 says that one can say these psukim even before daylight unlike the Maharshal who says one does not read psukim of [[Birkat Cohanim]] at night. </ref>
# One who hears a berachah may answer [[Amen]] before reciting these [[berachot]]. One also may answer Kedushah before reciting these [[berachot]], even though the responses are themselves biblical verses. <ref> Sh"t Rivivot Ephraim 1:39:1 </ref>  
# The order of the brachot isn't critical. If someone recite the bracha of Asher Bachar Banu first, they can just recite the other brachot afterwards.<ref>Siach Tefillah p. 323</ref>
 
==Interruptions That Would Require New Brachot==
===Engaging in Non-Torah Activities===
# One who stops his learning by means of working, bathing, or sleeping, is not considered to have interrupted his learning and he does not recite new brachot.<ref> Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 47:10. See Tosfot, Berachot 11b.
* Tosfot, Brachot 11a ask why a person does not need to recite Birchot HaTorah again when they stop their learning and then go back to learning. The answer given, is that a person never gives up thinking about going back to learning because a person should learn whenever he has free time. The Rosh Brachot 1:13 and Hagahot Maimoniyot (Tefillah 7:9) agree.  
* The Agur (cited by Divrei Chamudot Brachot 1:76) explains that the reason there is no interruption when it comes to Birchot HaTorah is because a person is always involved in activities that require following halacha. The observance of halacha keeps a person’s mind connected to learning. Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 47:10 holds that going to work or going to the bathroom is not considered an interruption and you do not therefore have to recite Birchot HaTorah again. </ref>
===Sleeping During the Day===
# If one slept during the day for a long period of time one does not recite Birchot HaTorah again upon [[waking up]]. Even though there is what to rely on for one to recite the brachot again, the Minhag HaOlam is not to do so, and one should instead hear them from someone who is obligated to recite them (both must have kavana, and after the bracha, both learn some pesukim such as Parshat [[Birkat Cohanim]]). <Ref> Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 47:11 quotes those who say that a fixed sleep during the day is a [[hefsek]], and then quotes those who say that it is not a [[hefsek]]; the minhag follows the latter view. However, Eliyah Rabba 47:9 quotes many poskim who say that one should recite a bracha and agrees with them; Mishna Brurah 47:25 quotes many main acharonim who say to recite Birchot HaTorah, and concludes that one who does will not lose out. However, many contemporary poskim including Piskei Teshuvot 47:14, Halichos Shlomo [[Tefilla]] ch. 6 fnt. 6, Rivevos Ephraim 8:609:1, Ishei Yisrael 6:25, Karna Deigrata 1:133, Halachically Speaking (vol 3, article 1, pg 5), and Piskei Teshuvot 47:14 write that the minhag is not to recite any Birchot HaTorah after sleeping again in the day. Halichot Shlomo 6:2 writes that the minhag is that we don't recite new brachot hatorah after a daytime sleep. He explains that by doing so we indicate that the birchot hatorah aren't simply for the words of Torah but for the all encompassing obligation of learning Torah. Halichot Shlomo 6:3 writes that one shouldn't recite a stipulation that one's birchot hatorah expire after one takes a nap. Even though it would be effective it is degrading the takana of chazal.</ref>
===Women===
# Women do not need to recite Birchot Hatorah multiple times a day.<ref>Tzlach Brachot 11b writes that since women aren’t obligated to learn Torah they should recite brachot hatorah every time they learn.
* Bear Yakov 47:14 (Rav Chaim Krizer) writes that women don't need to recite new brachot everytime they learn as long as they planned to learn more like the Magen Avraham says about men. Also, according to Rabbenu Tam it is a bracha of shevach so they don't have to recite it again.
* Birchot Moshe Brachot v. 1 p. 232 Brachot 11b writes that really brachot hatorah are both birchot hodah and birchot hamitzvah. Therefore, women who are only reciting it for the aspect of hodah they only need to say it once a day. However, men who also recite it for a mitzvah might need to recite it again every time they learn. He also uses this to explain why chazal said everyone should recite the brachot if there's a chance that they might not learn that day at all and it'll be a bracha levatala (see Tosfot Ketubot 72a, Brachot 11b). Even if someone doesn't learn it is still a bracha of hodah.
* Rivevot Efraim 5:43 quotes Rav Chaim Kanievsky, Rav Chaim Dovid Halevi, Halichot Bayta p. 20, and Halichot Bat Yisrael p. 118 who say that who do not need to recite new brachot hatorah multiple times a day. Minchat Chen 1:4 and Halichot Shlomo 1:4 agree. Rav Shlomo Zalman explained it based on the fact that the women are cognizant of halacha all day.</ref>


==Someone who forgot to make the Brachot==
===Learning and Sleeping at Night===
# The Bracha of Ahavat Olam (the second bracha of Birchot [[Kriyat Shema]]) exempts one’s obligation of Birchot HaTorah only if one learns immediately after Tefilah. <ref> S”A 47:7 based on [[Brachot]] 11b says that one can fulfill the [[Brachot]] with the Bracha before Shema. Mishna Brurah 47:15 in name of Levush says that one can finish tefilah and it’s not called an interruption. Beiur Halacha s.v. Im Lamad implies from the Or Zaruh that finishing tefilah is ok but talking would be an interruption.  </ref>
====The Night Follows the Day====
# If one forgot if he said the Birchot HaTorah (and didn’t yet say Ahavat Olam), Sephardim shouldn’t make a bracha, but Ashkenazim can make the Asher Bachar Banu Bracha. <ref>Sephardim don’t make a bracha because it’s a safek [[Brachot]] lehakel since it’s a dispute in the rishonim if Birchot HaTorah is Deoritta (Ramban) or Derabanan (Rambam). This is also the opinion of (Yalkut Yosef Hilchot Pesukei Dezimrah 47:2 pg 60). Ashkenazim can make the Asher Bachar Banu bracha as the Mishna Brurah 47:1 says in the name of the Shagat Aryeh. </ref>
# The night goes after the day with regards to Birchot HaTorah; therefore, one does not recite new Birchot HaTorah when night begins. However, if one goes to sleep at night, one will need to recite new Birchot HaTorah when one wakes up.<ref> Shulchan Aruch O.C. 47:12, Mishna Brurah 47:28 </ref>.
# One who began a nap during the day that extended into the night even minimally must recite Birkot HaTorah.<ref>Or Letzion 2:4:6</ref>


==How they are to be said==
====Beds and Chairs====
# The [[Brachot]] can be said standing or sitting. <ref> Yalkut Yosef 47:15 pg 94 </ref>
# If a person took a nap while in a chair leaning on his hands he doesn't recite new Birchot Hatorah when he wakes up and wants to learn.<ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 47:10, Mishna Brurah 47:23</ref> However, if he sleeps the entire night in a chair and that is normal for him, such as is common on an airplane, he can recite Birchot Hatorah anew after sleeping.<Ref>Dirshu 47:25</ref>
# Some say that one can interrupt between the [[Brachot]] and the learning, but it’s correct not to, and so the practice is the say the Parshat [[Birkat Cohanim]] right after the [[Brachot]]. <ref> S”A 47:9. Tosfot [[Brachot]] 11b s.v. Shkevar in name of the Ri, Rabbenu Yonah 5b, and Mordechai 31 hold an interruption isn’t a problem. Rambam (as understood by Bet Yosef) holds one can’t make an interruption. Magen Avraham 47:8 says that one can say these pesukim even before daylight unlike the Maharshal who says one doesn’t read pesukim of [[Birkat Cohanim]] at night. </ref>
# If someone goes to sleep on a bed at night even for a short period of time that would require new Birchot Hatorah. However, if he naps in his clothing in his bed some say that he doesn't need to recite new Birchot Hatorah while others disagree.<ref>Dirshu 47:25 quotes that Rav Shlomo Zalman and Chazon Ish held that going to sleep in one's clothing is shenat aray, Rav Elyashiv argued since it is in one's bed.</ref>
# It is good to recite one's berachah out loud, to enable others to respond [[Amen]]. However, this is not an obligation. <ref> Sh"t Rivivot Ephraim 1:39:2 </ref>  


==Interruptions that would require new Brachot==
====Waking Up In Middle of the Night====
# One who stops from his learning with working, bathing, or sleeping, isn’t an interruption for his learning and he doesn’t make new [[Brachot]]. <ref> S”A 47:10. See Tosfot [[Brachot]] 11b.
# If someone went to sleep at night and got up to learn before [[Olot HaShachar]] (after [[Chatzot]]) and is planning to go back to sleep afterwards should recite Birchot Hatorah when he woke up in the middle of the night as well as in the morning. However, some Ashkenazic poskim say that he should only recite Birchot Hatorah once in the morning and he is exempt when he woke up in the middle of the night from reciting Birchot Hatorah.<ref>Mishna Brurah 47:29 writes that if a person went to sleep, got up to learn, and is planning on going back to sleep according to Rabbenu Tam once one made the bracha when he got up in the middle of the night he is exempt from reciting another bracha in the morning. However, according to most rishonim one should recite a bracha both times. He leaves it as one who recites the bracha doesn't lose anything. Similarly, Rav Nevenzal in Mishna Brurah 47:28 quotes Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach as holding that if one gets up in the middle of the night and goes back to sleep he should recite Birchot Hatorah twice, once in the middle of the night and once in the morning. However, Minchat Yitzchak 10:7 writes that one shouldn't recite Birchot Hatorah in the middle of the night except one should say it without Shem Umalchut. Then in the morning after one's primary sleep one should recite Birchot Hatorah.
* Tosfot Brachot 11a asks why a person doesn’t need to make another birchat hatorah when he stops his learning and goes back to learning. He answers that a person never gives up thinking about going back to learning because a person should learn whenever he has free time. The Rosh Brachot 1:13 and Hagahot Maimoniyot (Tefillah 7:9) agree.
* Aruch Hashulchan 47:23 agrees with only saying it once but presents a compromise to determine when to say it. If a person woke up before Chatzot and is going to go back to sleep he shouldn't recite Birchot Hatorah, but he is woke up after Chatzot and is going to go back to sleep he should recite Birchot Hatorah. Aromemcha Elokay Hamelech p. 87 quotes Rav Tzvi Weber who agrees with the Aruch Hashulchan.</ref>
* The Agur (cited by Divrei Chamudot Brachot 1:76) explains that the reason there’s no interruption when it comes to birchat hatorah is because a person is always involved in activities that require following halacha. The observance of halacha keeps a person’s mind connected to learning. S”A 47:10 holds that going to work or going to the bathroom isn’t considered an interruption and you don’t need to make another birchat hatorah. </ref>
#Someone who wakes up early in the morning before dawn can recite all the brachot ([[Birchot HaShachar]] and Birchot HaTorah) except Hanoten LeSachvi Binah and Parshat HaTamid which should wait until Or hayom. The Birchot HaTorah then covers his brachot all day.<ref> Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 47:13 </ref>
# If one slept during the day for a long period of time one does not make Birchot HaTorah again upon [[waking up]]. Even though there is what to rely on to one to make the [[Brachot]], the Minhag HaOlam is not to make the [[Brachot]], and one should instead hear them from someone who is obligated to make them (both must have kavana, and after the Bracha, both learn some pesukim such as Parshat [[Birkat Cohanim]]). <Ref> S”A 47:11 quotes those who say that a fixed sleep during the day is a [[hefsek]], and then quotes those who say that it isn't a [[hefsek]]; the minhag follows the latter view. However, Eliyah Rabba 47:9 quotes many poskim who say that one should make a Beracha and agrees with them; Mishna Brurah 47:25 quotes many main acharonim who say to make a Birchas HaTorah, and concludes that one who does doesn't lose out. However, many contemporary poskim including Piskei Teshuvot 47:14, Halichos Shlomo [[Tefilla]] 6:6, Rivevos Ephraim 8:609:1, Ishei Yisrael 6:25, Karna Deigrata 1:133, Halachically Speaking (vol 3, article 1, pg 5), and Piskei Teshuvot 47:14 write that the minhag is not to make any Birchot HaTorah for sleeping in the day. </ref>
====Staying Up All Night====
{{Birchot HaTorah for Someone Who Stayed Up}}


==Nighttime==
==Birkot Hatorah on the Day of the Bar Mitzva==
# The night goes after the day with regards to Birkas HaTorah; therefore, one doesn't make a new Birkas HaTorah when night begins. However, if one goes to sleep at night, one will need to make a new Birkas HaTorah when one wakes up.<ref> Shulchan Aruch 47:12, M"B S.K. 28 </ref>.
{{Birkot Hatorah on the Day of the Bar Mitzva}}
# If one woke up before [[Olot HaShachar]] (after [[Chatzot]]) and wants to learn, one should make Birchot HaTorah even if one will go to sleep afterwards. If one does go back to sleep Shinat Kevah during the night, there’s what to rely on to make Birchot HaTorah a second time. <Ref> Mishna Brurah 47:29,30 </ref>
#Someone who wakes up early in the morning before dawn can make all the [[Brachot]] ([[Brachot HaShachar]] and Birchot HaTorah) except Hanoten LeSachvi Binah and Parshat HaTamid which should wait until Or hayom. The Birchot HaTorah then covers his [[Brachot]] all day. <ref> S”A 47:13 </ref>
# If one didn't sleep all night, such as on the night of [[Shavuot]], there's a dispute whether one should make Birchot HaTorah. According to Ashkenazim, one should try to hear the [[Brachot]] from someone else, and then say some pesukim afterwards. If one is unable to do that, one should have intent that one's Bracha of Ahava Rabba should count for Birchot HaTorah, and then learn after [[Tefillah]].<ref>Mishna Brurah 47:28, Rabbi Hershel Schachter (cited by Bet Yitzchak vol 30, p. 592). The side that says one should say it views Birchas HaTorah as similar to other Birchos Hashachar, which are said every morning, regardless of whether one slept or not. </ref>However, the Sephardic minhag is to say Birchot HaTorah by oneself.<ref>Chazon Ovadyah ([[Yom Tov]] p. 312)</ref>
# If one slept Shinat Kevah the day before staying up all night, one should make the Birchot HaTorah in the morning after one didn’t sleep. <Ref> Mishna Brurah 47:28 in name of Rabbi Akiva Eiger </ref>
==Waking up in Middle of the Night==
# See the [[Waking_up_in_the_middle_of_the_night]] page.


==Sources==
==Sources==
<references/>
<references/>
{{Prayers}}
[[Category:Brachot]]
[[Category:Brachot]]
[[Category:Learning Torah]]
[[Category:Learning Torah]]
[[Category:Prayer]]
[[Category:Prayer]]

Latest revision as of 21:42, 19 December 2023

Learning Torah.jpg

Before one learns Torah one must recite the Birchot HaTorah, praising God for giving us, the Chosen Nation, His Torah, and beseeching Him to make it sweet for us and our descendants.

The Obligation to Recite Birchot HaTorah Daily

Min HaTorah or MiDeRabbanan

  1. The level of obligation of Birchot HaTorah is subject to debate. Some say it is a Torah-level obligation, while others argue it is merely rabbinic.[1]

Women

  1. Women may recite Birchot HaTorah daily.[2] Some say they are obligated to, while others argue it is optional.[3]
  2. If a woman is unsure if she recited Birchot HaTorah, she may not recite them out of doubt, even according to those who argue reciting Birchot HaTorah is a Torah level obligation.[4]

The Proper Mindset for Birkot HaTorah

  1. One should be very careful to say Birchot HaTorah before learning.[5] The brachot should be said with great Simcha (happiness) for being fortunate enough to be chosen and be privileged with the Torah.[6]
  2. One should be particularly careful about saying the Birchot HaTorah because they show one's appreciation of Hashem’s gift of Torah to the Jewish people.[7]

One Who Forgets to Recite the Brachot

Ahavat Olam

  1. The bracha of Ahavat Olam (the second bracha of Birchot Kriyat Shema) exempts one’s obligation of Birchot HaTorah only if one learns immediately after tefillah.[8]

If He Remembered During Davening

  1. If one forgot to say Birchot HaTorah and remembered in middle of Pesukei DeZimrah one should say it between the paragraphs in Pesukei DeZimrah.[9]
  2. If one forgot to say Birchot HaTorah and only remembered in Brachot Kriyat Shema one should not interrupt to say the Brachot but rather have intent to fulfill one’s obligation of Birchot HaTorah with Ahavat Olam and then learn a little right after davening.[10]
  3. If one forgot to say Birchot HaTorah before davening and only remembered afterwards and did not learn right after davening, one should not say Birchot HaTorah because there is a doubt amongst poskim as to whether one fulfilled one’s obligation.[11]

One Who is Unsure If He Recited The Berachot

  1. Someone who is in doubt as to whether they have already recited Birchot HaTorah, preferably should hear someone else make the brachot (the listener should have intent to be fulfilling his obligation by listening to the other person making the brachot and the speaker should have intent to fulfill his own as well as the listeners obligation by reciting the brachot), otherwise one should have intent to fulfill the obligation with the bracha of Ahavah Rabba or Ahavat Olam and learn right after davening.
  2. If that is not possible, according to Ashkenazim, one may make the bracha of the Asher Bacher Banu. [12] However, according to Sephardim, if one can not hear the bracha from someone else or have intent that one's bracha of Ahavat Olam fulfills one's obligation, one should not say the brachot.[13]

One Who Cannot Recite the Berachot

  1. There is a dispute whether it is forbidden to learn Torah without brachot hatorah when one can't otherwise recite brachot.[14]

The Text of the Brachot

  1. Ashkenazim conclude the first bracha with the words “LaAsoak BeDivrei Torah” and Sephardim conclude with the words “Al Divrei Torah" [15]
  2. The second section begins "VeHaRev Na" with a "Vav." Some Ashkenazim have the custom to say it without a Vav.[16]
  3. When saying Birchot HaTorah especially “VeNehiyeh Anachnu VeTzeTzeynu” one should pray for one’s children to be Talmidei Chachamim, Tzaddikim, and Baalei Middot. [17]
  4. The minhag is to say the Pesukim of Birkat Cohanim and (for Ashkenazim) the Mishnayot of Elu Devarim after Birchot HaTorah. If one did not learn them immediately after reciting the Berachot, there is a dispute whether one fulfilled one’s obligation or not. In this situation, one should have intent to fulfill one’s obligation with the bracha of Ahava Rabbah and Shema.[18]
  5. There is a dispute whether the first bracha of Birchot HaTorah includes VeHa'erev Nah or not. In light of this, there is a dispute whether one should answer Amen if one hears someone finish the bracha of LaAsok BeDivrei Torah, for Ashkenazim, or Al Divrei Torah, for Sephardim. Therefore, some advise saying this bracha quietly so that the listener will not be in doubt whether to answer Amen or not.[19] The Sephardic custom is to answer Amen, though.[20]
Text of Birchot HaTorah.png
    1. Baruch Atta Hashem… Asher Kidishanu BeMitzvotav… Lasoak B'divrei Torah (Sephardi: Al Divrei Torah).
    2. ''VeHaRev Nah Hashem Elokenu… Halomed Torah LeAmo Yisrael.[21]
    3. Baruch Atta Hashem… Asher Bachar Banu Mekol HaAmim… Baruch Atta Hashem Noten HaTorah[22]

What Type of Learning Requires Birchot HaTorah?

Content

  1. One has to recite Birchot HaTorah for any learning including Torah, Midrash, Mishna, and Gemara.[23]

Writing

  1. Writing Torah even without reading, if one understands what one is writing, is considered learning for which one has to recite Birchot HaTorah.[24]

Thinking and Hearing

  1. According to Ashkenazim, one should not think Torah before making Birchot HaTorah, as there is a dispute whether or not thinking Torah requires a Beracha beforehand. However, it is permissible to do a Mitzvah before reciting the Beracha even though it will cause one to think about the laws of the Mitzvah.[25] According to Sephardim thinking words of Torah does not require Birchot HaTorah, so it is permissible to think Torah before Birchot HaTorah.[26]
  2. Hearing a speech of Divrei Torah from a person or an electronic device requires the brachot.[27]
  3. Looking into a Sefer Kodesh and only reading with one’s eyes, even without saying the words, requires brachot.[28]

Teaching a Halacha

  1. Telling someone a halacha without giving a reason is a dispute of the poskim, some are lenient, but others recommend one be strict to say Birchot HaTorah beforehand.[29]

Pesukim as Prayer

  1. Reciting Pesukim in a manner of prayer and not learning is permissible for Ashkenazim prior to reciting Birchot HaTorah and more or less prohibited for Sephardim.[30] See Chodesh_Elul, Order_of_Selichot.
  2. One who hears a bracha may answer Amen before having recited these berachot themself. One also may answer Kedushah before reciting these brachot, even though the responses are themselves biblical verses.[31]

Mitzvot

  1. According to many poskim one may perform mitzvot without reciting birchot hatorah.[32]

When to Recite Birchot HaTorah

  1. One should say Birchot HaTorah prior to saying any pesukim as tefillah.[33]

How to Recite Birchot HaTorah

  1. The brachot can be recited standing or sitting.[34]
  2. It is good to recite one's bracha out loud, to enable others to respond Amen; however, this is not an obligation.[35]
  3. Some say that one can interrupt between the brachot and the learning, but it is correct not to do so. So the practice is the say the Parshat Birkat Cohanim right after the brachot.[36]
  4. The order of the brachot isn't critical. If someone recite the bracha of Asher Bachar Banu first, they can just recite the other brachot afterwards.[37]

Interruptions That Would Require New Brachot

Engaging in Non-Torah Activities

  1. One who stops his learning by means of working, bathing, or sleeping, is not considered to have interrupted his learning and he does not recite new brachot.[38]

Sleeping During the Day

  1. If one slept during the day for a long period of time one does not recite Birchot HaTorah again upon waking up. Even though there is what to rely on for one to recite the brachot again, the Minhag HaOlam is not to do so, and one should instead hear them from someone who is obligated to recite them (both must have kavana, and after the bracha, both learn some pesukim such as Parshat Birkat Cohanim). [39]

Women

  1. Women do not need to recite Birchot Hatorah multiple times a day.[40]

Learning and Sleeping at Night

The Night Follows the Day

  1. The night goes after the day with regards to Birchot HaTorah; therefore, one does not recite new Birchot HaTorah when night begins. However, if one goes to sleep at night, one will need to recite new Birchot HaTorah when one wakes up.[41].
  2. One who began a nap during the day that extended into the night even minimally must recite Birkot HaTorah.[42]

Beds and Chairs

  1. If a person took a nap while in a chair leaning on his hands he doesn't recite new Birchot Hatorah when he wakes up and wants to learn.[43] However, if he sleeps the entire night in a chair and that is normal for him, such as is common on an airplane, he can recite Birchot Hatorah anew after sleeping.[44]
  2. If someone goes to sleep on a bed at night even for a short period of time that would require new Birchot Hatorah. However, if he naps in his clothing in his bed some say that he doesn't need to recite new Birchot Hatorah while others disagree.[45]

Waking Up In Middle of the Night

  1. If someone went to sleep at night and got up to learn before Olot HaShachar (after Chatzot) and is planning to go back to sleep afterwards should recite Birchot Hatorah when he woke up in the middle of the night as well as in the morning. However, some Ashkenazic poskim say that he should only recite Birchot Hatorah once in the morning and he is exempt when he woke up in the middle of the night from reciting Birchot Hatorah.[46]
  2. Someone who wakes up early in the morning before dawn can recite all the brachot (Birchot HaShachar and Birchot HaTorah) except Hanoten LeSachvi Binah and Parshat HaTamid which should wait until Or hayom. The Birchot HaTorah then covers his brachot all day.[47]

Staying Up All Night

  1. If one did not sleep all night, such as on the night of Shavuot, there is a dispute whether one should recite Birchot HaTorah or not. According to Ashkenazim, one should try to hear the brachot from someone else, and then say some psukim afterwards. If one is unable to do that, one view is one should have intent that one's bracha of Ahava Rabba should count for Birchot HaTorah, and then learn after tefillah, while another view is like that one simply makes them as usual.[48] However, the Sephardic minhag is to say Birchot HaTorah by oneself.[49]
  2. If one slept Shinat Kevah, normal sleep in a bed, the day before staying up all night, one should recite the Birchot HaTorah in the morning after one did not sleep.[50]
  3. If one slept Shinat Kevah the day before staying up all night, one should make the Brachot HaTorah in the morning after one didn’t sleep. [51]
  4. One should not say birkot hatorah until after alot hashachar.[52] One should not learn after Olot HaShachar until he said Birchot HaShachar. [53]

Birkot Hatorah on the Day of the Bar Mitzva

  1. On the night that a child becomes a Bar Mitzva, there is room to argue that he may not learn Torah before reciting Birkot Hatorah, even if he had recited them already that morning for Chinuch. Therefore, some poskim recommend that when he recites the beracha of Ahavat Olam, he should have in mind to fulfill his obligation for Birkot Hatorah. After Arvit, he should learn Torah.[54] Others think that this is not necessary and the Birkot Hatorah that he recited in the morning allow him to continue learning that night.[55]

Sources

  1. ↑ Ramban in Sefer HaMitzvot of the Rambam adds Birkat HaTorah as a Mitzvah Deoraita based on Gemara Brachot which learns these brachot from the pasuk “Ki Shem Hashem Ekrah Havu Godel LeElokenu". See Mishkenot Yaakov OC 43 and Mishnah Berurah 47:1 for more details. See Ramban there and Minchat Chinuch 430:5 who classify these brachot as brachot of praise (Birkot HaShevach). Because of the dispute in the Rishonim as to whether these brachot are Deoraita or Derabanan the rule of Safek Brachot LeHakel still applies.
  2. ↑ Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 47:14, Magen Avraham 47:17 explains that it is because women have to learn the Halachot relevant to them.
  3. ↑ Minchat Chinuch 430:5 says that women can make these brachot because it is a praise of Hashem for giving us the Torah. The Gra 47:18 argues that women should not have to recite the brachot since they are exempt from Torah learning. However, he allows women to recite the brachot like any other mitzvah from which women are exempt, Ashkenazic custom is to allow them to make a bracha. See Piskei Teshuvot 47 fn. 162 for a comprehensive list.
    Rav Ben Tzion Abba Shaul (Or LeTzion 2:4:10) is quoted weighing the various reasons and concluding that women are not obligated but should still recite the Berachot because they and anybody recite the beracha on the pleasure of Torah study, and it's like they are obligated, because they get reward from their husband and children's Torah study. Rav Ovadia (Yabia Omer 9 OC 108 fn. 5) rejects his reasoning.
  4. ↑ Kaf HaChaim, Orach Chaim 47:34, Yalkut Yosef Orach Chaim 47:19, Halacha Berurah 47:27, Otzrot Yosef 21.
  5. ↑ Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 47:1
  6. ↑ Mishna Brurah 47:4
  7. ↑ Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 47:1. Gemara Nedarim 81a it is maintained that because the Jews did not say Birchot HaTorah the fist Bet HaMikdash and Israel was destroyed. The Bach 47:1 explains that their intention was to learn Torah just to learn the knowledge and be arrogant in their wisdom. They did not internalize the holiness of Torah into their body and soul and this caused Hashem’s Shechina to be removed.
  8. ↑ Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 47:7 based on Brachot 11b says that one can fulfill one's obligation of reciting the brachot with the bracha before Shema. Mishna Brurah 47:15 in name of Levush says that one can finish tefillah and it is not considered an interruption. Beiur Halacha s.v. Im Lamad implies from the Or Zaruh that finishing tefillah is ok but talking would be an interruption. See Chikrei Lev vol. 9 regarding the requisite Kavanna to fulfill one's obligation.
  9. ↑ Mishna Brurah 51:10
  10. ↑ Mishna Brurah 52:9
  11. ↑ Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 47:8
  12. ↑ Mishna Brurah 47:1
  13. ↑ Sephardim do not make a bracha because it is a safek brachot lehakel since it is a dispute in the rishonim whether Birchot HaTorah are Deoritta (Ramban) or Derabanan (Rambam). This is also the opinion of (Yalkut Yosef Hilchot Pesukei DeZimrah 47:2 pg 60). Orchot Maran 5:6 writes that once when Rav Ovadia Yosef wasn't sure if he recited Birchot Hatorah asked him, Rav Dovid Yosef, to recite it for him. Ashkenazim can make the Asher Bachar Banu bracha as the Mishna Brurah 47:1 says in the name of the Shagat Aryeh.
  14. ↑ Rav Nevinsal in Mishna Brurah 47:28 quotes Rav Shlomo Zalman and Chazon Ish who held that it is permitted to learn when one can't recite the brachot because of safek brachot lehakel. See Minchat Shlomo 91:1 s.v. agav.
  15. ↑ Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 47:5 based on Rif (Brachot 5b), Rambam (Tefilah 7:10), Talmedei Rabbenu Yonah (Brachot 5b D”H Maiy Mevarech) and Arizal (Shaar Kavonot Nusach Hatefilah) have the version of Sephardim - Al Divrei Torah. Rosh (Brachot 1:13) and Tur 47 have the version of the Ashkenazim of LaAsoak BeDivrei Torah.
  16. ↑ Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 47:6 based on Tosfot (Brachot 46a s.v. Kol, Ketubot 8a s.v. Shehakol in name of Rabbenu Tam), Rosh (Brachot 1:13), Rabbenu Yonah (5b s.v. Veha), Rashi 11b s.v. VeRabbi Yochanan, and Mordechai 31 hold that Harev Nah of Birchat HaTorah starts with a Vav. This opinion holds that really there are only two brachot of Birkat HaTorah. Rama Orach Chaim 47:6 says that the practice is to say it without a Vav but it is better to say it with a Vav to satisfy all opinions. This opinion is sourced in the Rambam (Hilchot Tefilah 7:10), Rashba (Brachot 11b s.v. VeRabbi Yochanan), Baal HaMor s.v. Mayim, and Avudraham pg 44. This opinion holds that Birkat HaTorah in reality consists of three brachot.
  17. ↑ Mishna Brurah 47:9, 10
  18. ↑ Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 47:9-10, Mishna Brurah 47:19-20
  19. ↑ Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 7:1
  20. ↑ Or LeTzion 2:4:5 citing the Chida and Ben Ish Chai and reporting that this is the common Sephardic custom.
  21. ↑ Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 47:6 rules that the bracha of HaRev Nah begins with the letter Vav to connect it to the last bracha. The Rama writes that though others hold that one should say it without a Vav, it is better to say it with a Vav. Magen Avraham 47:4 explains that the Vav shows that the first and following brachot are really one long bracha, and the opinion that the Rama quotes who argues that there should be no Vav holds that they are considered two separate brachot. Mishna Brurah 47:11 agrees.
  22. ↑ Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 47:5
  23. ↑ Brachot 11b, Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 47:2, Yalkut Yosef 47:2
  24. ↑ Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 47:3 based on Avudraham (Birchot Hashachar beginning). Magen Avraham 47:1 adds that one has to understand what one is writing in order for it to be considered learning, but just copying over text is not learning. This is also the opinion of Biur Heitev 47:2.
  25. ↑ Mishna Brurah 47:7 because of the Gra who argues on Shulchan Aruch.
  26. ↑ Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 47:4 based on Shabbat 151a, Agur 2, and Tosfot 20b s.v. VeRav Chisda. This is also the opinion of Yalkut Yosef (vol 3 pg 81) that it is permissible to think Torah before Birchat HaTorah.
  27. ↑ Yalkut Yosef 47:5. Halichot Shlomo Tefillah 6:5 writes that certainly listening to a shiur requires birchot hatorah but listening to a recorded shiur might not. He explains that the mechanism of listening to a shiur being considered learning isn't based on Shomea Koneh. Rather it is based on the fact that it is original model of how learning Torah should be. That is, learning Torah involves a speaker and a listener and both are learning. See Tosfot Brachot 20b who seems to apply Shomea Koneh to Talmud Torah. See further the Machzik Bracha 47:4 who says that listening to a shiur requires birchot hatorah because of Shomea Koneh and has to answer why the Rosh, Tur and Shulchan Aruch O.C. 141 hold that Shomea Koneh doesn't work for Kriyat Hatorah. His answer is that the particular takana of kriyat hatorah excluded using Shomea Koneh. Dirshu 47:10 quotes Rav Chaim Kanievsky (Dirshu Gilyon 3) that listening to a shiur even on a recording requires birchat hatorah. His proof is Tosfot Brachot 20b that even if there's not someone speaking who is a person those listening are considered learning.
  28. ↑ Yalkut Yosef 47:6
  29. ↑ Rama on Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 47:4 based on Ran (on the Rif Shabbat 4b s.v. Makom, Avoda Zara 19b s.v. Tana, Chiddushei HaRan Avodah Zarah 44b) allows this because it is just like thoughts of Torah. However Yalkut Yosef 47:7 rules that because of a double doubt one should be strict to recite brachot.
  30. ↑ Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 46:9). See Chikrei Lev 9, Yosef Ometz 66, Yabia Omer 4 OC 7, Or LeTzion 2:4:4, and Yabia Omer 9 OC 108:29 for a discussion regarding whether or not Shulchan Aruch thinks it's permissible according to the letter of the law and is just being strict or he actually holds it is prohibited. Rav Ovadia and Rav Ben Tzion agree that MeIkar HaDin, Shulchan Aruch thinks it's permissible and the custom is just to be strict, so they allow one to answer Kedushah and the 13 Middot, respectively, if one is caught in a minyan that is reciting them and has not yet recited Birchot HaTorah. Magen Avot Orac Chaim 6 fn 6 notes how although some people did seem to take the lenient approach in Morocco, one cannot call it a Minhag because they were just following how it was printed in the siddur and also some people would recite the Berachot at home, anyway.
  31. ↑ Sh"t Rivivot Ephraim 1:39:1
  32. ↑ Gra 47:10 writes that one may perform mitzvot without reciting Birchot Hatorah since thinking about them isn't done with the intention to learn. Mishna Brurah 47:7 follows the Gra. However, the Bikkurei Yakov 644:1 writes that before shaking the lulav one should recite birchot hatorah. (See Agur siman 1 cited by Bet Yosef 47:11 who writes that observing halacha in the bathroom prevents one from having an interruption for one's brachot hatorah since that is like learning. That implies observing halacha and certainly mitzvot is like learning. But the Biur Hagra 47 s.v. vhu hadin writes that the Agur is incorrect because observing mitzvot isn't learning. Also, see Biur Halacha 588:2 s.v. shma who suggests that thinking about mitzvot is like learning Torah with respect to learning in the bathroom.)
  33. ↑ Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 46:9, Mishna Brurah 46:27
  34. ↑ Yalkut Yosef 47:15 pg 94
  35. ↑ Sh"t Rivivot Ephraim 1:39:2
  36. ↑ Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 47:9. Tosfot Brachot 11b s.v. Shkevar in name of the Ri, Rabbenu Yonah 5b, and Mordechai 31 hold an interruption is not a problem. Rambam (as understood by Bet Yosef) holds one may not make an interruption. Magen Avraham 47:8 says that one can say these psukim even before daylight unlike the Maharshal who says one does not read psukim of Birkat Cohanim at night.
  37. ↑ Siach Tefillah p. 323
  38. ↑ Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 47:10. See Tosfot, Berachot 11b.
    • Tosfot, Brachot 11a ask why a person does not need to recite Birchot HaTorah again when they stop their learning and then go back to learning. The answer given, is that a person never gives up thinking about going back to learning because a person should learn whenever he has free time. The Rosh Brachot 1:13 and Hagahot Maimoniyot (Tefillah 7:9) agree.
    • The Agur (cited by Divrei Chamudot Brachot 1:76) explains that the reason there is no interruption when it comes to Birchot HaTorah is because a person is always involved in activities that require following halacha. The observance of halacha keeps a person’s mind connected to learning. Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 47:10 holds that going to work or going to the bathroom is not considered an interruption and you do not therefore have to recite Birchot HaTorah again.
  39. ↑ Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 47:11 quotes those who say that a fixed sleep during the day is a hefsek, and then quotes those who say that it is not a hefsek; the minhag follows the latter view. However, Eliyah Rabba 47:9 quotes many poskim who say that one should recite a bracha and agrees with them; Mishna Brurah 47:25 quotes many main acharonim who say to recite Birchot HaTorah, and concludes that one who does will not lose out. However, many contemporary poskim including Piskei Teshuvot 47:14, Halichos Shlomo Tefilla ch. 6 fnt. 6, Rivevos Ephraim 8:609:1, Ishei Yisrael 6:25, Karna Deigrata 1:133, Halachically Speaking (vol 3, article 1, pg 5), and Piskei Teshuvot 47:14 write that the minhag is not to recite any Birchot HaTorah after sleeping again in the day. Halichot Shlomo 6:2 writes that the minhag is that we don't recite new brachot hatorah after a daytime sleep. He explains that by doing so we indicate that the birchot hatorah aren't simply for the words of Torah but for the all encompassing obligation of learning Torah. Halichot Shlomo 6:3 writes that one shouldn't recite a stipulation that one's birchot hatorah expire after one takes a nap. Even though it would be effective it is degrading the takana of chazal.
  40. ↑ Tzlach Brachot 11b writes that since women aren’t obligated to learn Torah they should recite brachot hatorah every time they learn.
    • Bear Yakov 47:14 (Rav Chaim Krizer) writes that women don't need to recite new brachot everytime they learn as long as they planned to learn more like the Magen Avraham says about men. Also, according to Rabbenu Tam it is a bracha of shevach so they don't have to recite it again.
    • Birchot Moshe Brachot v. 1 p. 232 Brachot 11b writes that really brachot hatorah are both birchot hodah and birchot hamitzvah. Therefore, women who are only reciting it for the aspect of hodah they only need to say it once a day. However, men who also recite it for a mitzvah might need to recite it again every time they learn. He also uses this to explain why chazal said everyone should recite the brachot if there's a chance that they might not learn that day at all and it'll be a bracha levatala (see Tosfot Ketubot 72a, Brachot 11b). Even if someone doesn't learn it is still a bracha of hodah.
    • Rivevot Efraim 5:43 quotes Rav Chaim Kanievsky, Rav Chaim Dovid Halevi, Halichot Bayta p. 20, and Halichot Bat Yisrael p. 118 who say that who do not need to recite new brachot hatorah multiple times a day. Minchat Chen 1:4 and Halichot Shlomo 1:4 agree. Rav Shlomo Zalman explained it based on the fact that the women are cognizant of halacha all day.
  41. ↑ Shulchan Aruch O.C. 47:12, Mishna Brurah 47:28
  42. ↑ Or Letzion 2:4:6
  43. ↑ Shulchan Aruch O.C. 47:10, Mishna Brurah 47:23
  44. ↑ Dirshu 47:25
  45. ↑ Dirshu 47:25 quotes that Rav Shlomo Zalman and Chazon Ish held that going to sleep in one's clothing is shenat aray, Rav Elyashiv argued since it is in one's bed.
  46. ↑ Mishna Brurah 47:29 writes that if a person went to sleep, got up to learn, and is planning on going back to sleep according to Rabbenu Tam once one made the bracha when he got up in the middle of the night he is exempt from reciting another bracha in the morning. However, according to most rishonim one should recite a bracha both times. He leaves it as one who recites the bracha doesn't lose anything. Similarly, Rav Nevenzal in Mishna Brurah 47:28 quotes Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach as holding that if one gets up in the middle of the night and goes back to sleep he should recite Birchot Hatorah twice, once in the middle of the night and once in the morning. However, Minchat Yitzchak 10:7 writes that one shouldn't recite Birchot Hatorah in the middle of the night except one should say it without Shem Umalchut. Then in the morning after one's primary sleep one should recite Birchot Hatorah.
    • Aruch Hashulchan 47:23 agrees with only saying it once but presents a compromise to determine when to say it. If a person woke up before Chatzot and is going to go back to sleep he shouldn't recite Birchot Hatorah, but he is woke up after Chatzot and is going to go back to sleep he should recite Birchot Hatorah. Aromemcha Elokay Hamelech p. 87 quotes Rav Tzvi Weber who agrees with the Aruch Hashulchan.
  47. ↑ Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 47:13
  48. ↑ Mishna Brurah 47:28, Rabbi Hershel Schachter (cited by Bet Yitzchak vol 30, p. 592). The view that says one should say it (Aruch Hashulchan OC:47:23) thinks Birchot HaTorah is similar to other Birchot HaShachar, which are said every morning, regardless of whether one slept or not.
  49. ↑ Yechave Daat 3:33, Yabia Omer O.C. 5:6, Chazon Ovadyah (Yom Tov p. 312)
  50. ↑ Mishna Brurah 47:28 in name of Rabbi Akiva Eiger
  51. ↑ Mishna Brurah 47:28 in name of Rabbi Akvia Eiger
  52. ↑ Yalkut Yosef Chelek 1 page 137.
  53. ↑ Mishna Brurah 47:28
  54. ↑ Yabea Omer 3:27:10, Yalkut Yosef Dinei Chinuch Katan pg. 51.
  55. ↑ Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz in the name of Rav Osher Weiss (Ten Minute Halacha: Bar Mitzvah Boy Saying Birchas Hatorah at Night)
( V | T ) Specific parts of Prayer Prayer.jpg
Morning prayers
Birchot HaShachar - Birchot HaTorah - Korbanot - Kaddish - Pesukei DeZimrah - Barchu - Birchot Kriyat Shema - Kriyat Shema
Amidah: Shmoneh Esrei - Mashiv HaRuach - Atta Chonen - Atta Chonantanu - Hashivenu - Slach Lanu - Refaenu - Barech Aleinu - Yaaleh VeYavo - Al Hanissim - Sim Shalom - 3 Steps - Chazarat HaShatz - Kedusha - Birkat Cohanim - Havinenu
Post-Amidah: Kriyat HaTorah - Hagbah and Gelila - Tachanun, Ashrei, Aleinu, Shir Shel Yom
Other daily prayers
Mincha - Mariv/Arvit - Repeating Shema at Night - Bedtime Shema - Tikkun Chatzot
Additional prayers
Tefillat HaDerech - Mussaf - Hallel of Rosh Chodesh
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