Based on Likutey Eitzot,* Talmud Torah
Some suggestions and encouragement to help you carry through on any “I’m going to learn more Torah” resolutions you may have made on Shavuot. The number in parentheses is the paragraph number in chapter Talmud Torah.
All prayers and requests are accepted through the study of Torah.
Furthermore, Torah study raises the appeal and status of Jews in the eyes of all to whom they may need. (1)
Going the extra mile to study Torah makes your yetzer tov (good inclination) stronger than your yetzer hara (evil inclination). (2)
By speaking words of Torah aloud, the Torah shines light on one’s blind spots, showing him where he needs to repent (i.e., return to God). Over time, by learning Torah aloud, one’s return eventually undoes the imbalance created by his wrongdoing. Continuing in this way, this step-by-step return leads one to higher spiritual levels and greater understanding of the Torah’s depths. (10)
But the Torah’s light can help one see his blind spots only to the extent that he let’s go of his ego, and learns Torah neither for glory nor gain. (11)
Each time before you begin to learn, consider: The tzaddik—Torah prophet, Talmudic sage or chassidic master and the like—whose teachings you are about to learn, is listening to your voice. You need to bind your soul to his. The purer and more sincere your intentions are—to fulfill the mitzvah of Torah study and to know how to live by the mitzvot—the greater the tzaddik’s enjoyment from your study. (13)
Go learn. And enjoy it!
agutn Shabbos!
Shabbat Shalom!
© Copyright 2010 Breslov Research Institute
*Likutey Eitzot has been translated by Breslov Research under the title Advice.
