Torah Learning

by Elisheva bas Chana

Torah Learning

Torah learning itself is one of the 613 mitzvos of the Torah. We can see Torah learning as a means through which we know how to keep the mitzvos. It does serve this role, but that is not its only function as a mitzvah itself. Performing the mitzvos is the fulfilment of HaShem's will in action. Torah learning is a fulfilment of His will through thought and speech.

At Har Sinai we accepted the Torah with the words: "Na'aseh v' Nishma" — We will do and we will listen. Why not "We will listen and we will do?" If we had responded with "We will listen and we will do," then the sole function would be that we listened — Torah learning as a means through which to know how to perform a mitzvah. This would be misrepresenting the concept of Torah learning. "We will do" is the acceptance of learning how to perform a mitzvah, because without the knowledge we could not perform them. "We will listen" is the acceptance of learning the Torah beyond what is required to perform the mitzvos — Torah learning as its own mitzvah.

Chassidishe teachings explain that doing the act — Na'aseh — creates a spiritual vessel.

Through the experience of doing, you gain deeper insight and emotional understanding — Nishma.

Rambam's Principles of Faith:

I believe with complete emunah that the entire Torah now in our hands is the same Torah that was given to Moshe Rabbeinu.

I believe with complete emunah that this Torah will not be exchanged, and that there will never be another Torah from HaShem.

Our mission in life is to get close to HaShem. To be able to achieve this closeness, HaShem gave us the Torah. There are positive mitzvos (do's), which enable us to grow and reach a higher level through subjugating the body and soul. The negative mitzvos (don'ts) are fences that protect the Torah.

When the Jewish people are united in serving HaShem, and when each of us individually does what must be done, whether we are men or women, rich or poor, there are no longer individual Jews, but Klal Yisroel. Together we are more powerful, just as a minyan is more powerful than a Jew davening on his own.

"And Your people are all righteous; they shall inherit the land forever (Eretz Yisroel). They are the branch of My planting, My handiwork, in which to take pride." — Yeshayah 60:21

The most important thing we gain from Torah learning is a Divine connection, which is the spiritual influence of Torah. Learning Torah is necessary because without it we could never come to the observance of the mitzvos. When we do not study Torah, how do we know what HaShem wants from us? But apart from this, Torah learning fulfils a huge role in perfecting ourselves.

A fundamental concept regarding learning Torah is that although the Torah takes the form of words and statements, the essence of Torah is the Divine influence within it. Our mind is the means by which we process Torah, are elevated through Torah, and allow it to reside within us. Learning Torah is not about information, but about how we can transform ourselves.

The Torah is Love, it's Life, it's an eternal covenant between HaShem and the Jewish people.

A Holy and Living Torah, to learn, to live, and to serve HaShem.

The Torah, the voice of heaven as it is heard on earth, the Word that gives light to the world.

The Torah is a Gift.

Thank You, HaShem.

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Elisheva bas Chana – Celebrating the Heart of Yiddishkeit

Elisheva is a passionate voice for authentic Jewish life, blending Torah wisdom, mitzvos, and the timeless beauty of Yiddishkeit. Her writing shines a light on the strength and grace of Jewish women—from the legacy of Devorah Leah, daughter of the Alter Rebbe, to today’s women who live with faith, modesty, and purpose. Through her words, Elisheva celebrates Torah study, family purity, and radiant tznius, inspiring readers to embrace the joy, depth, and enduring spirit of Jewish tradition. Contact Elisheva.