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Laws of Learning Torah: Difference between revisions
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==Taking Money for Learning and Teaching Torah== | ==Taking Money for Learning and Teaching Torah== | ||
===Learning Torah=== | ===Learning Torah=== | ||
# The mishna in Mesekhes Avos states that one should not derive benefit from his Torah learning.<ref>Avos 4:5. The Rambam Avos 4:5 and in Hilchos Talmud Torah perek 3. explains that it is a desecration of G-d’s name, and by extension His Torah, to make Torah learning into a money-making profession.<ref> The Rambam lists several different reasons as to why taking money for Torah is wrong. Besides the consideration of chillul Hashem, the Rambam adds that melachah is a positive virtue which prevents falling into sin (Hilchos Talmud Torah 3:10). Thus, if a person is only learning and is not working he may run a greater risk of falling prey to sin.</ref> | # The mishna in Mesekhes Avos states that one should not derive benefit from his Torah learning.<ref>Avos 4:5.</ref> The Rambam Avos 4:5 and in Hilchos Talmud Torah perek 3. explains that it is a desecration of G-d’s name, and by extension His Torah, to make Torah learning into a money-making profession.<ref> The Rambam lists several different reasons as to why taking money for Torah is wrong. Besides the consideration of chillul Hashem, the Rambam adds that melachah is a positive virtue which prevents falling into sin (Hilchos Talmud Torah 3:10). Thus, if a person is only learning and is not working he may run a greater risk of falling prey to sin.</ref> | ||
# Many gedolei Yisroel throughout the generations disagreed with the Rambam. <ref> See the Tashbetz’s reaction to the Rambam (Shut Tashbetz 1:142), where he notes that it was always the practice that Bnei Yisroel have supported their Torah scholars. He brings several proofs from midrashic and Talmudic sources that it is permissible, or perhaps even obligatory, for Torah scholars to accept wealth that matches their stature. The Rama YD 246:21 codifies the Tashbetz’s opinion. Also, Kesef Mishna (Talmud Torah 3:10) emphasizes that there was a strong minhag to be lenient on this, and he ends off by saying that even if the halacha is like the Rambam, maybe we should apply the rule of "et laasot l'hashem". He repeats this sentiment in Bet Yosef YD 246:21. | # Many gedolei Yisroel throughout the generations disagreed with the Rambam. <ref> See the Tashbetz’s reaction to the Rambam (Shut Tashbetz 1:142), where he notes that it was always the practice that Bnei Yisroel have supported their Torah scholars. He brings several proofs from midrashic and Talmudic sources that it is permissible, or perhaps even obligatory, for Torah scholars to accept wealth that matches their stature. The Rama YD 246:21 codifies the Tashbetz’s opinion. Also, Kesef Mishna (Talmud Torah 3:10) emphasizes that there was a strong minhag to be lenient on this, and he ends off by saying that even if the halacha is like the Rambam, maybe we should apply the rule of "et laasot l'hashem". He repeats this sentiment in Bet Yosef YD 246:21. | ||
The Maharshal (Yam Shel Shlomo Chullin 3:9) is adamantly opposed to the opinion of the Rambam if not taking money will cause bitul torah. He says that if a person can learn more by taking money to learn, he should do so, and it is an aveirah not to take it! </ref> Additionally, some poskim limit the scope of the Rambam’s psak and conclude that even he would agree that it is permissible to take money for Torah learning if learning would otherwise be impossible.<ref> For example, see Rav Moshe Feinstein’s approach to the Rambam in Igros Moshe (Yoreh Deah 4:36). He contends that the Rambam only said that accepting money for learning would be prohibited if the Torah scholar is capable of studying diligently with a clear mind even after working for parnassah for a portion of the day. However, if the scholar is not capable of concentrating in the same way that he would be without having engaged in work, it is permissible for him to accept donations from the tzibbur. | The Maharshal (Yam Shel Shlomo Chullin 3:9) is adamantly opposed to the opinion of the Rambam if not taking money will cause bitul torah. He says that if a person can learn more by taking money to learn, he should do so, and it is an aveirah not to take it! </ref> Additionally, some poskim limit the scope of the Rambam’s psak and conclude that even he would agree that it is permissible to take money for Torah learning if learning would otherwise be impossible.<ref> For example, see Rav Moshe Feinstein’s approach to the Rambam in Igros Moshe (Yoreh Deah 4:36). He contends that the Rambam only said that accepting money for learning would be prohibited if the Torah scholar is capable of studying diligently with a clear mind even after working for parnassah for a portion of the day. However, if the scholar is not capable of concentrating in the same way that he would be without having engaged in work, it is permissible for him to accept donations from the tzibbur. | ||
