Q. I would like to know Horav Miller’s daas Torah in regards to someone who has limited time for learning.
Since learning Torah with effort and exertion is most important, what takes priority? Learning beiyun (and effort), learning Halacha or teaching others. Which is the most important?
A. Horav Yisroel Salanter zt’l would have answered, that if someone has only a little time to learn Torah, he should dedicate it to learn mussar. If he does, he will realize that he has so much more time available.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that indeed all the mitzvos but specially Torah learning, when it is performed with mesirus nefesh, earnest effort and necessary exertion, overrides and preempts the one lacking these essential qualities. Learning Halacha and knowing how to comply with mitzvos is primary. However, one may do so by joining or creating a group and merit others also. The Rov also advises to take into account to learn what is the most enjoyable and gratifying learning. He points out that if the learning is subject only to hardship and mesirus nefesh, it is unlikely to be maintained, continued or remembered. It has to be done also with great simcha and joy.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a
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