Soliciting Information

Not only may one listen to rechilus that is important for him to hear, he may even approach someone and request information that would otherwise be considered rechilus. Obviously, the solicitor must make it clear that his solicitation is sanctioned by halachah.

One must also be careful to request only pertinent information and nothing more. Should the person from whom the information was requested begin relating unnecessary gossip, he should be stopped immediately.

Day After Day

Torah is also likened to bread, as it is written, “Come partake of my bread” (Mishlei 9:5). Now, if man does not eat bread for a day or two, he becomes weakened; if he goes a week without bread (or a comparable substitute), he becomes extremely weak and it is difficult for him to regain the strength that he has lost. This is exactly the way of Torah study, which is sustenance for the soul. If a Jew lets a few days go by without study, his soul becomes weakened; if he lets an entire week slip by, his soul grows extremely weak.

One must be extremely zealous not to allow even a day to pass without Torah study. Such interruptions have a negative impact on the Torah study that will follow, as the Sages state, “If you forsake me [the Torah] for one day, I will forsake you for two” (Yerushalmi Berachos 9:5).

If extenuating circumstances cause a cancellation of one’s daily study session, the student should consider this as “borrowed time” that must be repaid. He should strive to repay his debt quickly, in the way of the Talmudic sage who “borrowed by day and paid back that night” (Eruvin 65a).

As mentioned above, one must ensure that his study sessions not be marked by interruptions. Diligent uninterrupted study causes a spirit of sanctity to become manifest upon the student; such is not the case with study marked by disruption.