Healing Well of Miriam

B”H

Studying Torah is the most important thing a person can do for his relationship with Gd and for his own soul’s development.  In the Jewish world the Torah parasha and the Haphtorah is read every week by everyone.  This foundation of our learning isn’t something that is ever considered “over” when a person is ready to “graduate to higher stuff.”  No.  Every other area of Torah study is anchored in the written Torah, expounding on deeper meanings and truths.  In fact, we should understand that if something is taught that does NOT have anchor in written Torah, it should be suspect. 

Given this, I would like to share some ideas on building Torah knowledge.  The first year it may be a good idea to go through the Torah and the Haphtorah without any commentary, just to lay the foundation.  The next year you could add a commentary.  There are many Torah commentators.  One of the most foundational—and very esteemed—is Rashi.  Interestingly, the Rashi commentary of the Talmud is nearest the spine of the volume, with the reasoning that if it should be in a fire (Gd forbid), the writing nearest the spine would burn last and have the greatest chance of surviving.  So, for the person wanting to building Torah learning in a systematic manner, Rashi is essential learning.  Every week, for a full year’s cycle, read the parasha and the Rashi.  Then the next year, choose another, like Ramban—Nachmanides, and go through the parashaot with that one.   In this way, through the years, you will build your knowledge (and your library).  You might also read a biography of the commentator you choose, for you have made him your teacher.

In addition to Torah learning, reading Psalms everyday builds our faith.  Again, it’s not something we do once and we’re done.  Each time we read these words, our soul is saying something new, from the place we are in that particular moment.  Maybe read five a day, but don’t let a routine keep you from living each word—however long that may take.  The ideal is for them to become meditation, as you lift each word.

Happy Shavuot!