Laws of Learning Torah: Difference between revisions

#When one learns one should learn out loud but it’s considered Talmud Torah even if one only thinks about it and doesn't even enunciate the words.<ref>Rav Ovadia Yosef in Halichot Olam (8 pg 390) and Anaf Etz Avot (Avot 3:3). Rav Ovadia cites the Rashbetz Avot 3:3, Yereyim 27, and Shitah Mikubeset Brachot 15b all say that learning in thought is called learning. Interestingly, the Maharal (Derech Chaim Avot 3:6) writes that when learning with someone else, such as a chevruta, one is forced explain the issue in words in order to discuss it. In this manner, one accomplishes the an awesome fulfillment of learning Torah which is spoken aloud. However, when one learns alone, even if one says the words aloud, primarily it is a mental thought process and the words are insignificant, which is a lower level of learning Torah. </ref> Some poskim hold that for Mikra if one doesn't enunciate the words it isn't considered learning.<ref>Shulchan Aruch Harav 2:12 writes that if for Mikra one doesn't enunciate the words that one is learning it isn't considered learning at all. Gevurat Yitzchak v. 2 pp. 19-20 Sotah 32b s.v. layma proves from the Shitah Mikubeset Brachot 13a citing the Raavad that if one doesn't enunciate the words of Mikra when learning it doesn't fulfill the mitzvah.</ref>

#Even though it is preferable and advantageous to learn with a Chevruta (partner) or in a Chabura (group) nonetheless, one who learns by oneself, fulfills the Mitzvah Deoritta of Talmud Torah.<ref>Tanna Dvei Eliyaho 23 writes that Hashem finds favor in the Jewish people because they learn in groups (Chabura’s). Pirkei Avot 3:2-3 says that an individual who learns gets reward for learning, two who learn together have their Torah written in Hashem’s Sefer Zichronot and the Shechina is present, while ten who learn together have the Shechina precede the group in wait for their learning. [[Brachot]] 63b says that one really acquires his Torah that he learns in a Chabura. From the above it just seems that there are good levels of learning and then higher forms, yet from Tanit 7a which says that Talmidei Chachamim who learn by themselves are cursed, become foolish, and sin, it seems that learning as an individual is problematic. Nonetheless, because nowadays we learn from a Sefer it’s permissible (Halichot Olam 8 pg 390) and Yavetz (Introduction) writes that it doesn’t apply to learning in [[Israel]] where the air makes one wise. Even though, Maharal (Derech Chaim (Avot 3:3)) writes that learning by oneself even if one says it out loud isn’t considered Osek in Divrei Torah, Halichot Olam rejects using this for halachic implications because one makes [[Brachot HaTorah]] for Torah one learns by oneself and also Mishna Brurah (Beiur Halacha beginning of 155) writes that the mitzvah of Talmud Torah also applies to learning individually. </ref>