The Importance of Learning
There is a famous Rambam (Hilchos Talmud Torah, 1:8) that states that every Jewish male is obligated to study Torah, regardless of his life circumstances. One must study Torah, whether it is affluence, age, or health. The Rambam also explicitly mentions that a Ba’al Yisurim (a person who suffers) must learn Torah. Although one might think that a Ba’al Yisurim may be exempt from Torah learning, as he may be exempt by other mitzvos, studying Torah itself is a unique mitzvah. Learning Torah is not just another mitzvah; it is the guide to live a Jewish life and is therefore considered of utmost importance.
Another understanding of the Rambam is that a Ba’al Yisurim, though limited by his pain, is still obligated to study Torah to whatever degree he can manage. Even if this may be limited to superficial study, that effort counts. However, using this logic, one who is capable of in-depth study yet engages only in lighter study would fall short of his obligation, as seen in discussions around Bitul Torah (neglecting Torah study).
The Kesef Mishna sources this Rambam from several different Gemaras (Bava Metzia 84a, Ta’anis 25a, Yuma 35), in which different sages were either sick or poor, yet they all studied Torah.
The Kesef Mishna specifically uses the story of R’ Elazar ben Shimon, who was connected to a royal family, and he turned a fellow jew to the authorities. Realizing that the man may be innocent, he regretted his decision and took on Yissurim as a form of atonement. Each night, he experienced intense affliction, filling basins with blood and pus, but in the morning, he would dispel his suffering to avoid bitul Torah. Although his wife did not want him to go to the Beis Medrash due to the other Rabbis punishing him, he would still learn throughout the day.
However, this Gemara is a seemingly interesting source, as when he was learning, he was not considered a Ba’al Yisurim since he expelled his ailments. The Maharal explains that Hashem saw R’ Elazar ben Shimon’s love of Torah was so great that he took away the Yisiruim so that he could learn.
Ultimately, we see the importance of Torah study, and no matter one’s schedule, affluence, health, or challenges, one must make it vital that part of their daily schedule is to learn. May Hashem grant us the privilege to continuously engage in Torah study in robust health and with peace of mind.
Adapted from medicalhalacha.org