Draft:Bitul Torah

Bitul Torah (/ˈbiːtʊl/ /ˈtɔːrə/; Hebrew: ביטול תורה), is a term in Judaism that refers to the neglect of Torah study without valid justification, despite the Mitzvah of Torah study, as it is written: “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, and you shall meditate on it day and night”.^[1]

Justifications for Bitul Torah

There are various answers to what constitutes a necessary activity that justifies taking time away from Torah study and what does not. Some are stringent and narrow the scope of permitted activities, while others are more lenient. All opinions agree that basic human needs, such as eating and drinking, fall under necessary activities. Some view political activity aimed at aiding lists of candidates in Knesset elections as an important goal that justifies Bitul Torah, due to the expectation of positive outcomes for Judaism in the State of Israel from the success of certain candidates.^[2]

Bitul Torah and secular studies

Some see secular studies (non-religious studies) as Bitul Torah, while others argue that secular studies are necessary for understanding the Torah. For example, the Vilna Gaon, inspired by Maimonides, argued that knowledge of all sciences aids Torah learning:

"The more a person lacks knowledge of other sciences, the more he will lack in Torah wisdom, for Torah and wisdom are intertwined… All sciences are necessary for our Torah."^[3]

Therefore, secular studies may be considered part of the Mitzvah of Torah study. However, according to Rabbi Joseph Kapach's interpretation of Maimonides' perspective, there is no real concept in Judaism of "secular studies" versus "religious studies"; rather, there is "beneficial learning" versus "vain learning," with "beneficial learning" being Torah studies and natural sciences, while "vain learning" is similar to what today might be considered humanities.^[4]

Bitul Torah and prayer

Most Hasidic sects, except for a few, emphasize the concept of attachment to God and the intense effort required in prayer. Naturally, extended prayer time comes at the expense of Torah study, which opponents of Hasidism (Mitnagdim) viewed as Bitul Torah. In many yeshivot of the Litvak tradition, it is common to shorten the Chazarat Hashatz in Mincha, arguing that prolonged prayer leads to Bitul Torah.

Bitul Torah for pleasure

The Even HaEzel holds that an unlearned person is permitted to indulge even if it necessarily leads to Bitul Torah through drunkenness or intimacy.^[5] However, most halachic authorities believe there is an obligation to study Torah at every free moment.^[6]

Statements of Chazal on Bitul Torah

Rava, and some say Rav Chisda, stated:
If a person sees suffering coming upon them, they should examine their deeds, as it says, "Let us search and examine our ways, and return to the Lord" (Eicha 3:40); if they examine and find nothing, they should attribute it to Bitul Torah, as it says, "Blessed is the man whom You chasten, O Lord, and teach out of Your Torah" (Psalms 94:12). If they attribute it and find nothing, then it is known to be sufferings of love, as it says, "For whom the Lord loves, He corrects" (Proverbs 3:12).^[7]
Yosi ben Yochanan of Jerusalem says:
Let your house be open wide, and let the poor be members of your household. Do not engage in too much conversation with a woman. This was said regarding one's own wife; how much more so with another’s wife! From here, the Sages said: Whoever engages in too much conversation with a woman causes evil to himself, neglects words of Torah, and will ultimately inherit Gehinnom.^[8]
Due to the sin of delay in judgment, perversion of judgment, distortion of judgment, and Bitul Torah, the sword, plunder, pestilence, and famine come, and people eat and are not satisfied, and they eat bread by weight, as it is written, "And I will bring a sword upon you that shall avenge the covenant" (Leviticus 26:25).^[9]
Whoever could engage in Torah study and does not, the Holy One, Blessed be He, brings upon him hideous and confounding suffering, as it is written, "I was mute with silence; I held my peace even from good; and my pain was severe" (Psalms 39:3).^[10]
"If you forsake Me for one day, I will forsake you for two" – Sifrei, Parashat Ekev 48.^[11]

References

^ Joshua 1:8
^ B’Hadrei Haredim, Avi Schiff and Eli Cohen, "The Golden Calf was after the Death of Israel’s Leader," 22 February 2015.
^ Introduction to Pe’at HaShulchan by Rabbi Yisrael of Shklov, a disciple of the Vilna Gaon.
^ Joseph Kapach, "Secular Studies in Maimonides' Thought," Techumin vol. 2, pp. 242–251.
^ Even HaEzel on Maimonides' Mishneh Torah, Melachim 3:5.
^ Rema, YD 246:25; Mishnah Berurah 155:4, among others.
^ Berachot 5a
^ Avot 1:5
^ Shabbat 33a
^ Berachot 5a
^ source needed

External links

Bittul Torah, on the "Kipa" website.
Rabbi Ido Pechter, "The Concept of Bittul Torah" on "Around the Table."

[1] Joshua 1:8

[2] B’Hadrei Haredim, Avi Schiff and Eli Cohen, "The Golden Calf was after the Death of Israel’s Leader," 22 February 2015.

[3] Introduction to Pe’at HaShulchan by Rabbi Yisrael of Shklov, a disciple of the Vilna Gaon.

[4] Joseph Kapach, "Secular Studies in Maimonides' Thought," Techumin vol. 2, pp. 242–251.

[5] Even HaEzel on Maimonides' Mishneh Torah, Melachim 3:5.

[6] Rema, YD 246:25; Mishnah Berurah 155:4, among others.

[7] Berachot 5a

[8] Avot 1:5

[9] Shabbat 33a

[10] Berachot 5a

[11] source needed

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