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Laws of Learning Torah: Difference between revisions

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#If one likes to learn and really understands his learning, one can refrain from extending [[Tefillah]] and only say the portions that are obligatory.<ref>Eliyah Rabba 1:1, Lechem Chamudot ([[Brachot]] HaRoeh 84), Birkei Yosef 1:9, Mishna Brurah 1:12, Halacha Brurah 1:11, Kaf HaChaim 1:31. </ref>
#If one likes to learn and really understands his learning, one can refrain from extending [[Tefillah]] and only say the portions that are obligatory.<ref>Eliyah Rabba 1:1, Lechem Chamudot ([[Brachot]] HaRoeh 84), Birkei Yosef 1:9, Mishna Brurah 1:12, Halacha Brurah 1:11, Kaf HaChaim 1:31. </ref>
#Someone who learns Torah purely for the sake of heaven is deserving of great rewards.<ref>Mishna Avot 6:1</ref> Even if a person finds himself encouraged to learn for ulterior reasons he should continue to learn and eventually reach the level of learning purely.<ref>Gemara Pesachim 50b</ref> Many emphasize that nowadays it is critical to start learning with an external motivation in order to overcome the Yetzer Hara and become involved in learning Torah<ref>[https://he.wikisource.org/wiki/%D7%A0%D7%A4%D7%A9_%D7%94%D7%97%D7%99%D7%99%D7%9D/%D7%A9%D7%A2%D7%A8_%D7%92* Nefesh HaChaim (Shaar 3* ch. 1 s.v. vegam)]</ref> and once one is involved it'll help purify oneself.<ref>Gra (Mishlei 25:21) writes that even learning which is shelo lishma helps combat the yetzer hara.</ref>
#Someone who learns Torah purely for the sake of heaven is deserving of great rewards.<ref>Mishna Avot 6:1</ref> Even if a person finds himself encouraged to learn for ulterior reasons he should continue to learn and eventually reach the level of learning purely.<ref>Gemara Pesachim 50b</ref> Many emphasize that nowadays it is critical to start learning with an external motivation in order to overcome the Yetzer Hara and become involved in learning Torah<ref>[https://he.wikisource.org/wiki/%D7%A0%D7%A4%D7%A9_%D7%94%D7%97%D7%99%D7%99%D7%9D/%D7%A9%D7%A2%D7%A8_%D7%92* Nefesh HaChaim (Shaar 3* ch. 1 s.v. vegam)]</ref> and once one is involved it'll help purify oneself.<ref>Gra (Mishlei 25:21) writes that even learning which is shelo lishma helps combat the yetzer hara.</ref>
#If one learns and doesn't understand what is learning it isn't considered Talmud Torah.<ref>Magen Avraham 50:2, Mishna Brurah 50:2. Chida in Marit Haayin Avoda Zara 19a s.v. vamar explains that the Gemara which encourages learning without understanding to mean that if one can't understand it one should still learn without understanding. Or that one should learn even if one only understands the words without understanding the greater context. Ayin Yakov explains that it is referring to someone understanding but has questions on it.</ref> Many poskim say that it is considered Talmud Torah when reading Tanach even if one doesn't understand it.<ref>Shulchan Aruch Harav 2:12:13. See Divrei Shmuel Al Hatorah p. 11 who quotes the Likutei Maamarim of the Chafetz Chaim as arguing that without understanding even reading mikrah isn't learning.</ref> See Derech Hashem of Ramchal 4:2
#If one learns and doesn't understand what is learning it isn't considered Talmud Torah.<ref>[https://www.sefaria.org/Magen_Avraham.50.2?lang=he Magen Avraham 50:2], [https://www.sefaria.org/Mishnah_Berurah.50.2?lang=bi Mishna Brurah 50:2]. Chida in [https://www.sefaria.org/Marit_HaAyin_on_Avodah_Zarah.19a.3?lang=he Marit Haayin Avoda Zara 19a s.v. vamar] explains that the Gemara which encourages learning without understanding to mean that if one can't understand it one should still learn without understanding. Or that one should learn even if one only understands the words without understanding the greater context. Ayin Yakov explains that it is referring to someone understanding but has questions on it.</ref> Many poskim say that it is considered Talmud Torah when reading Tanach even if one doesn't understand it.<ref>[https://www.sefaria.org/Hilchos_Talmud_Torah.2.12?lang=he Shulchan Aruch Harav 2:12]-[https://www.sefaria.org/Hilchos_Talmud_Torah.2.13?lang=he 13]. (See [https://beta.hebrewbooks.org/reader/reader.aspx?sfid=67920#p=55&fitMode=fitwidth&hlts=&ocr=%D7%A9%D7%94%D7%9F%20%D7%AA%D7%95%D7%A8%D7%94%20%D7%94%D7%9F%20%D7%A9%D7%94%D7%A8%D7%99%20%D7%90%D7%95%D7%9E%D7%A8%20%D7%9E%D7%9E%D7%A9 Shu"t Chevel Nachalato 26:8] in the name of Rav Yaakov Kamenetsky in his introduction to Emes Leyaakov Al Hatorah "Mavo Lelimmud Hamikra" [not necessarily as a practical halachic ruling] who differentiates between Torah vs. Neviim and Ketuvim.) See Divrei Shmuel Al Hatorah p. 11 who quotes the Likutei Maamarim of the Chafetz Chaim as arguing that without understanding even reading mikrah isn't learning. [https://www.sefaria.org/Teshuvot_HaRadbaz_Volume_3.867?vhe=hebrew|Teshuvot_HaRadbaz,_Warsaw_1882&lang=he Teshuvot Radbaz 3:876 (425)] seems to agree (see, however, [https://beta.hebrewbooks.org/reader/reader.aspx?sfid=67920#p=55&fitMode=fitwidth&hlts=&ocr=%D7%A9%D7%94%D7%9F%20%D7%AA%D7%95%D7%A8%D7%94%20%D7%94%D7%9F%20%D7%A9%D7%94%D7%A8%D7%99%20%D7%90%D7%95%D7%9E%D7%A8%20%D7%9E%D7%9E%D7%A9 Shu"t Chevel Nachalato 26:8] who understands the Radbaz differently). [https://hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=918&pgnum=245 Igrot Moshe O.C. 2:56 pg. 245 s.v. vehareaya] says clearly that reading mikrah without understanding isn't learning.
*There are poskim who seem to hold that '''''any''''' learning without understanding is considered Talmud Torah. See [https://www.sefaria.org/Kitzur_Shulchan_Arukh.27.5?lang=he Kitzur Shulchan Arukh 27:5] and Teshuvot Maharil Hachadashot 45:2 near the end of the teshuva. (The teshuva is quoted in its entirety in Mizahav Umipaz, vol. 2, pg. [https://beta.hebrewbooks.org/reader/reader.aspx?sfid=15074#p=607&fitMode=fitwidth&hlts=&ocr= 444]-[https://beta.hebrewbooks.org/reader/reader.aspx?sfid=15074#p=608&fitMode=fitwidth&hlts=&ocr= 445]).
*See [https://oukosher.org/halacha-yomis/should-one-recite-korbanos-if-he-does-not-understand-the-meaning-of-the-words/ OU Halacha Yomis "Should one recite ''Korbanos'' if he does not understand the meaning of the words?"] for more discussion on this topic.</ref> See [https://www.sefaria.org/Derekh_Hashem%2C_Part_Four%2C_On_Torah_Study?lang=he Derech Hashem of Ramchal 4:2].


==Mitzvah on the Father==
==Mitzvah on the Father==
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==Tanach, Mishna, and Talmud==
==Tanach, Mishna, and Talmud==


#One should apportion one's time to study torah everyday into three, one portion for Tanach and some say it's commentaries, one portion for Mishna and Gemara, and one portion to analyze the primary ways the Torah is learnt so that one will know that which is forbidden and that which is permitted. After one grows in Torah one should review Tanach, Mishna, and Gemara, but focus on analyzing Torah. Some say that by learning Talmud Bavli one fulfills learning each area of Torah because the Bavli includes everything, nonetheless, certainly one must still know Tanach and Mishna. Some say that one should devote more time to Mishna than to Tanach and more time to Gemara than to Mishna each one according to its difficulty.<ref>See next footnote</ref>Rav Yisrael Salanter holds that nowadays, after the sealing of the Talmud, being that we can not learn Tanach the way Chazal did, we must define the terms "Mikra", "Mishna" and "Gemara" differently. "Mikra" today means to learn Talmud Bavli and Yerushalmi. "Mishna" today means to learn Tosfot and the Seforim of the Great Poskim- Rishonim and Achronim. "Gemara" today means proper Iyun in all that you learn and to be able to pasken Halachah from your learning.<ref>Ohr Yisrael 18</ref>
#One should apportion one's time to study torah everyday into three, one portion for Tanach and some say it's commentaries, one portion for Mishna and Gemara, and one portion to analyze the primary ways the Torah is learnt so that one will know that which is forbidden and that which is permitted. After one grows in Torah one should review Tanach, Mishna, and Gemara, but focus on analyzing Torah. Some say that by learning Talmud Bavli one fulfills learning each area of Torah because the Bavli includes everything, nonetheless, certainly one must still know Tanach and Mishna. Some say that one should devote more time to Mishna than to Tanach and more time to Gemara than to Mishna each one according to its difficulty.<ref>See next footnote</ref> Rav Yisrael Salanter holds that nowadays, after the sealing of the Talmud, being that we can not learn Tanach the way Chazal did, we must define the terms "Mikra", "Mishna" and "Gemara" differently. "Mikra" today means to learn Talmud Bavli and Yerushalmi. "Mishna" today means to learn Tosfot and the Seforim of the Great Poskim- Rishonim and Achronim. "Gemara" today means proper Iyun in all that you learn and to be able to pasken Halachah from your learning.<ref>[https://he.wikisource.org/wiki/%D7%90%D7%95%D7%A8_%D7%99%D7%A9%D7%A8%D7%90%D7%9C/%D7%9E%D7%9B%D7%AA%D7%91%D7%99%D7%9D/%D7%99%D7%97 Ohr Yisrael #18]</ref>
#Many authorities emphasize that it's absolutely crucial to learn Halacha so that one knows what one must do as well as mussar which subjugates the Yetzer Hara. Some say that these are included in the above three categories.<ref>*In Gemara Kiddushin 30a, Rav Safra interprets the word “ושננתם” as ושלשתם which means that one should split one’s time in three in study Torah, one third to study Mikrah, one third to study Mishna, and one third to study Talmud. The Gemara says that since one doesn’t know how long one will live, one should split up one’s days in three ways. Rashi s.v. LeYomi explains that one should split up the days of the week into these three parts. However, Tosfot s.v. Lo argues that it means that one should split up every single day into these three sections. Rambam (Talmud Torah 1:12) and S”A 246:4 agree with Tosfot.
#Many authorities emphasize that it's absolutely crucial to learn Halacha so that one knows what one must do as well as mussar which subjugates the Yetzer Hara. Some say that these are included in the above three categories.<ref>*In Gemara Kiddushin 30a, Rav Safra interprets the word “ושננתם” as ושלשתם which means that one should split one’s time in three in study Torah, one third to study Mikrah, one third to study Mishna, and one third to study Talmud. The Gemara says that since one doesn’t know how long one will live, one should split up one’s days in three ways. Rashi s.v. LeYomi explains that one should split up the days of the week into these three parts. However, Tosfot s.v. Lo argues that it means that one should split up every single day into these three sections. Rambam (Talmud Torah 1:12) and S”A 246:4 agree with Tosfot.
*Tosfot also quotes the Rabbenu Tam who says that we rely on only learning Talmud Bavli which itself is a combination of Mikrah, Mishna, and Gemara.
*Tosfot also quotes the Rabbenu Tam who says that we rely on only learning Talmud Bavli which itself is a combination of Mikrah, Mishna, and Gemara.
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*The Ran (Avoda Zara 5b s.v. Ki) writes that certainly Talmud requires more time than Mishna and Mishna more than Mikrah rather the Gemara just means that one should apportion each area of Torah it’s proper time. Biur HaGra YD 246:15 quotes this Ran. S”A HaRav (Talmud Torah 2:2) writes that it’s good to abide by this opinion.
*The Ran (Avoda Zara 5b s.v. Ki) writes that certainly Talmud requires more time than Mishna and Mishna more than Mikrah rather the Gemara just means that one should apportion each area of Torah it’s proper time. Biur HaGra YD 246:15 quotes this Ran. S”A HaRav (Talmud Torah 2:2) writes that it’s good to abide by this opinion.
*S”A YD 246:4 writes that Mikrah means the 24 books of Torah. Aruch HaShulchan 246:13 explains that Mikrah includes the 24 books of Tanach and also their explanations. However, the S”A HaRav (Talmud Torah 2:1) writes that the explanations of Tanach is considered Mishna which is all an explanation of the 613 מצות.
*S”A YD 246:4 writes that Mikrah means the 24 books of Torah. Aruch HaShulchan 246:13 explains that Mikrah includes the 24 books of Tanach and also their explanations. However, the S”A HaRav (Talmud Torah 2:1) writes that the explanations of Tanach is considered Mishna which is all an explanation of the 613 מצות.
*The Shach 246:5 quotes the Drisha who writes that some people only learn Gemara, Rashi, and Tosfot and they don’t fulfill the statement of the Gemara Niddah 73a which says that a person should learn Halachot every day meaning Halacha Pesukot (Halachic rulings of the poskim). He adds that the Rabbenu Tam’s idea that Gemara Bavli includes everything only refers to those who can learn 9 hours a day but those who learn 3 or 4 hours shouldn’t just learn Gemara. Mishna Brurah (Introduction to Mishna Brurah, vol 1) quotes this and expands on it.
*The [https://www.sefaria.org/Siftei_Kohen_on_Shulchan_Arukh%2C_Yoreh_De'ah.246.5.1?lang=he Shach 246:5] quotes the Drisha who writes that some people only learn Gemara, Rashi, and Tosfot and they don’t fulfill the statement of the Gemara Niddah 73a which says that a person should learn Halachot every day meaning Halacha Pesukot (Halachic rulings of the poskim). He adds that the Rabbenu Tam’s idea that Gemara Bavli includes everything only refers to those who can learn 9 hours a day but those who learn 3 or 4 hours shouldn’t just learn Gemara. Mishna Brurah (Introduction to Mishna Brurah, vol 1) quotes this and expands on it (and also quoted in short in [https://www.sefaria.org/Mishnah_Berurah.155.3?ven=hebrew|eu5_text&lang=he Mishnah Berurah 155:3]). (See, however, what the [https://he.wikisource.org/wiki/%D7%A2%D7%A8%D7%95%D7%9A_%D7%94%D7%A9%D7%95%D7%9C%D7%97%D7%9F_%D7%99%D7%95%D7%A8%D7%94_%D7%93%D7%A2%D7%94_%D7%A8%D7%9E%D7%95#%D7%A1%D7%99%D7%9E%D7%9F_%D7%A8%D7%9E%D7%95_%D7%A1%D7%A2%D7%99%D7%A3_%D7%99%D7%96 Aruch Hashulchan Y.D. 246:17] comments about this issue.)
*On the other hand, Birkei Yosef YD 246:4 laments the fact that many people only read the abridged halachot as they despair from the difficult study of talmud because they are decreasing torah (against the principle of "VeYagdil Torah VeYadir") and causing the reasonings of halachot to be forgotten.
*On the other hand, Birkei Yosef YD 246:4 laments the fact that many people only read the abridged halachot as they despair from the difficult study of talmud because they are decreasing torah (against the principle of "VeYagdil Torah VeYadir") and causing the reasonings of halachot to be forgotten.
*Kitzur S”A 27:3 writes that someone who can’t learn as his main focus but can at least set aside times to learn, at those times he should learn Halacha which every Jew needs to know and Mussar which subjugate the Yetzer Hara. Shulchan Aruch HaRav (Talmud Torah 246:2) seems to say that Mussar is included in the category of Talmud.
*Kitzur S”A 27:3 writes that someone who can’t learn as his main focus but can at least set aside times to learn, at those times he should learn Halacha which every Jew needs to know and Mussar which subjugate the Yetzer Hara. Shulchan Aruch HaRav (Talmud Torah 246:2) seems to say that Mussar is included in the category of Talmud.
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#It's very important to learn Mussar daily because the greater one is, the greater one's Yetzer hara is.<ref>[[Sukkah]] 52a </ref> Torah was created as an antidote to the Yetzer Hara.<ref>Kedushin 30b </ref> Even if learning Mussar takes away from learning other portions of Torah like Gemara, it's important to study Mussar.<ref>Birkei Yosef 1:9 and Chaye Adam ([[Yom Kippur]] Klal 432) write that one should study Mussar daily even at the expense of torah study time. Mishna Brurah 1:12 (and Shaar Tzion 1:26), Halacha Brurah (1:11 and 55:4), and Halichot Olam (8 pg 336) quote this as halacha. </ref>
#It's very important to learn Mussar daily because the greater one is, the greater one's Yetzer hara is.<ref>[[Sukkah]] 52a </ref> Torah was created as an antidote to the Yetzer Hara.<ref>Kedushin 30b </ref> Even if learning Mussar takes away from learning other portions of Torah like Gemara, it's important to study Mussar.<ref>Birkei Yosef 1:9 and Chaye Adam ([[Yom Kippur]] Klal 432) write that one should study Mussar daily even at the expense of torah study time. Mishna Brurah 1:12 (and Shaar Tzion 1:26), Halacha Brurah (1:11 and 55:4), and Halichot Olam (8 pg 336) quote this as halacha. </ref>
#Someone who only has 2 or 3 hours to learn daily should learn Halacha from Shulchan Aruch and commentaries or from contemporary Poskim so that one will be knowledgeable in practical laws and not come to do a sin without knowing. This is more preferable than learning Daf Yomi, or Gemara and Rishonim from which one can’t derive practical halacha.<ref>Derisha Y”D 246:6, Shach Y”D 246:5 write that someone who only has a little time should learn from the poskim as it says in Nidda 73a someone who learns Halachot every day is a Ben Olam Haba. Shulchan Aruch HaRav (Tamud Torah 2:9), Yarot Devash, Derech HaChaim, Sh”t Teshuva MeAhava (Introduction to 2nd volume), Sh”t Yachave Daat 6:52, Kaf HaChaim Palagi 29:9, Mishna Brurah 155:3, and Halacha Brurah 155:4 concur. </ref>
#Someone who only has 2 or 3 hours to learn daily should learn Halacha from Shulchan Aruch and commentaries or from contemporary Poskim so that one will be knowledgeable in practical laws and not come to do a sin without knowing. This is more preferable than learning Daf Yomi, or Gemara and Rishonim from which one can’t derive practical halacha.<ref>Derisha Y”D 246:6, Shach Y”D 246:5 write that someone who only has a little time should learn from the poskim as it says in Nidda 73a someone who learns Halachot every day is a Ben Olam Haba. Shulchan Aruch HaRav (Tamud Torah 2:9), Yarot Devash, Derech HaChaim, Sh”t Teshuva MeAhava (Introduction to 2nd volume), Sh”t Yachave Daat 6:52, Kaf HaChaim Palagi 29:9, Mishnah Berurah 155:3, and Halacha Brurah 155:4 concur. </ref>


==Learning Kabbalah==
==Learning Kabbalah==
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#According to the Kabbalah, it's preferable not to learn Tanach at night.<ref>Birkei Yosef 1:13, 238:2 in name of the Arizal, Ben Ish Chai Pekudei #7, Kaf HaChaim 237:9. </ref> However, some argue that one may be lenient.<ref>Shaar HaTziyun 238:1 in name of the Pri Megadim. </ref> However, since it's not forbidden but only preferable, if not learning Tanach will cause [[Bitul Torah]] (Chas VeShalom) one may learn Tanach.<ref>Piskei Teshuvot 238:1 </ref>
#According to the Kabbalah, it's preferable not to learn Tanach at night.<ref>Birkei Yosef 1:13, 238:2 in name of the Arizal, Ben Ish Chai Pekudei #7, Kaf HaChaim 237:9. </ref> However, some argue that one may be lenient.<ref>Shaar HaTziyun 238:1 in name of the Pri Megadim. </ref> However, since it's not forbidden but only preferable, if not learning Tanach will cause [[Bitul Torah]] (Chas VeShalom) one may learn Tanach.<ref>Piskei Teshuvot 238:1 </ref>
#It is permissible to read Tehilim at night if read as a [[prayer]] for the sick or for another cause.<ref>Sh"t Tzitiz Eliezer 8:2 </ref>
#It is permissible to read Tehilim at night if read as a [[prayer]] for the sick or for another cause.<ref>Sh"t Tzitiz Eliezer 8:2. See also [https://halachayomit.co.il/en/default.aspx?HalachaID=3509 Halachayomit.co.il "Reading Scripture at Night"]. </ref>
#It is permissible to read Tanach on Friday night or the night of [[Yom Tov]].<ref>Piskei Teshuvot 238:1, Sh"t Yabia Omer 6:30, Sh"t Maharashdam 1:158 </ref>
#It is permissible to read Tanach on Friday night or the night of [[Yom Tov]].<ref>Piskei Teshuvot 238:1, Sh"t Yabia Omer 6:30, Sh"t Maharashdam 1:158 </ref>
#It is permissible to learn Tanach along with Rashi at night.<ref>Sh"t Veyeche Yacov O"C 9, Piskei Teshuvot 238:1 </ref>
#It is permissible to learn Tanach along with Rashi at night.<ref>Sh"t Veyeche Yacov O"C 9, Piskei Teshuvot 238:1 </ref>
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*'''On her own initiative''': Both the Rambam and Shulchan Aruch ibid. write that a woman may learn Torah on their own and is rewarded for it like someone who isn't obligated in a mitzvah and fulfills it. Prisha YD 246:15 explains that a woman may learn on her own even Torah SheBaal Peh because once she decided to learn on her own we can assume that she isn't going to cause Torah to become a mockery. The Chida in Tov Ayin (Siman 4) agrees. Tzitz Eliezer 9:3:1-3 supports this opinion.
*'''On her own initiative''': Both the Rambam and Shulchan Aruch ibid. write that a woman may learn Torah on their own and is rewarded for it like someone who isn't obligated in a mitzvah and fulfills it. Prisha YD 246:15 explains that a woman may learn on her own even Torah SheBaal Peh because once she decided to learn on her own we can assume that she isn't going to cause Torah to become a mockery. The Chida in Tov Ayin (Siman 4) agrees. Tzitz Eliezer 9:3:1-3 supports this opinion.
*'''Torah Shebichtav''': The Rambam ibid. writes that preferably one shouldn't teach women Torah Shebichtav. Taz YD 264:4 writes that it is permitted and even ideal to teach women Torah Shebichtav on a simple level. Sheol UMeishiv 3:41 and Atret Zekenim OC 47:3 agree.
*'''Torah Shebichtav''': The Rambam ibid. writes that preferably one shouldn't teach women Torah Shebichtav. Taz YD 264:4 writes that it is permitted and even ideal to teach women Torah Shebichtav on a simple level. Sheol UMeishiv 3:41 and Atret Zekenim OC 47:3 agree.
*'''Learning Halacha''': The Agur (Siman 2) writes that women are obligated to learn the halachot that apply to them. Sefer Chasidim 313, Maharil 45:2, Rama YD 246:6, Taz 47:14, and Shulchan Aruch HaRav (Talmud Torah 1:16) agree.</ref>
*'''Learning Halacha''': The Agur (Siman 2) writes that women are obligated to learn the halachot that apply to them. Sefer Chasidim 313, Maharil 45:2, Rama YD 246:6, Taz 47:14, and Shulchan Aruch HaRav (Talmud Torah 1:16) agree.
For more on this issue, see "[https://beta.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=56118&pgnum=27 Bedin Limmud Hatorah Lenashim: Shakla Vetarya Bidvar Halimmudim Bevatei Hachinuch Levanot Hanahug Bizmaneinu]", by [https://www.hamichlol.org.il/%D7%A8%D7%91%D7%99_%D7%A9%D7%9C%D7%9E%D7%94_%D7%92%D7%A8%D7%95%D7%A1 Rav Shlomo Hakohen Gross] (Dayan Umoreh Tzedek deKehal Kadosh Machazikei Hadas DeChassidei Belz Boro Park יע"א, Mechaber Sefer Shu"t Mishnah Shleima), published in Or Yisrael, vol. 8 (Shana 2 Gilyon 4), Sivan 5757, pg. 27.</ref>


==Non-Jews Learning Torah==
==Non-Jews Learning Torah==
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