Q. We usually assume that just thinking thoughts of Torah while one wakes up in the night does not require to make the bracha on the Torah, is that correct?
A. On question 1434 we addressed the Shaila if one can make a Siyum if certain parts of the Masechta which were learned mentally, but not verbalized. To what we answered:
Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 47: 4) rules that one may think in his mind thoughts of Torah without previously reciting the bracha on the Torah, presumably because he does not comply with the mitzva of learning Torah just by thinking or meditating Torah ideas. However, Mishna Berura (ibid. 7) quotes Hagra’'s opinion that one should recite the bracha before engaging in Torah thoughts. (See Biur Halacha. ibid) Poskim explain that there are various different mitzvos involved in Torah learning. One of them is ”vehagisa.” This book of the Torah shall not leave your mouth; you shall meditate therein day and night. (Yehoshua 1:8, See Sefer Charedim 11 Tziunum Latorah 9.)
See question 270 where we mention Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlita opinion that you may perform a siyum on Torah learning done just by listening to a tape, as it is considered learning.
Therefore, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlita opinion is that you can make a siyum when finishing a masechta that was learned in any language and even if it was learned only mentally, since it is considered learning Torah. (See similar ruling in Ohel Tomid quoting Horav Eliashiv zt’l.
Yet, in practice if one’s hands are clean, one may indeed engage in Torah thoughts while awake at night, before reciting the brocho on the Torah.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a
Important Numbers
