Rabbi Zamir Cohen Explains the Significance and Obligations of Daily Torah Study
Rabbi Zamir Cohen discusses the obligations of daily Torah study for men and women, emphasizing spiritual nourishment, family balance, and supportive encouragement.
The study of the Torah is a central part of Jewish life, but are men and women equally obligated to it? Rabbi Zamir Cohen explains the differences, the meaning of daily Torah study, and the impact a Torah lesson can have on an individual and the entire household.
According to Rabbi Zamir Cohen, under Halakha, a man is obligated to study Torah daily. He compares this necessity to the body's need for food: just as the body requires regular meals, the soul requires spiritual nourishment.
Daily Obligation and Spiritual Nourishment
"Every man is obligated by Halakha to study Torah daily," the rabbi explains. "Just as the body receives three meals a day, the soul needs to receive at least one meal a day."
And what about women?
The rabbi explains that women also need to study Torah, primarily to know the laws, understand moral teachings, and know how to conduct their lives according to the Torah. However, he notes, the daily obligation is not identical to that of men.
The explanation he provides is related to life's reality and the burdens placed on women, particularly within the home and in childcare. According to him, the Torah does not demand of a person something they are incapable of handling.
"There is a rule that the Almighty does not demand of a person more than they are capable of," the rabbi says, noting that everyone is given commandments and duties suited to their abilities.
Bringing Balance Back to Life
Later, Rabbi Zamir Cohen explains why he sees special importance in daily Torah study for men. He notes that life presents a person with numerous trials, confusion, and distractions, and a Torah lesson can serve as a kind of balancing point.
"Going to a Torah lesson balances him and brings him back on track," he says. "The Torah, the study itself, contains a divine light that flows into a person's soul, sanctifies it, elevates it, and influences him."
According to him, this is not merely about acquiring knowledge, but a process that affects the person himself, his behavior, and the way he deals with daily challenges.
Encouragement Without Coercion
Addressing women, the rabbi emphasizes that it is important to encourage a husband to attend a Torah lesson, but to do so in a pleasant and appropriate manner.
The right approach is not to coerce or create a sense of distance, but to show support. For instance, expressing that while it is nice when the husband is at home, attending a Torah lesson is a positive and important endeavor.
The rabbi also acknowledges that this is not always simple, especially in young families with small children and a heavy evening workload, requiring a careful balance between family time, mutual help, and Torah study.
