Important Announcement
Today, there is Charity Bake Sale benefiting our own organization Torah Learning Resources. Please attend this event and support our organization, so we can continue to offer all media free of charge as we have been doing since 2002.
The Bake sale will be at 3 Private Drive in Elberon NJ. Rabbi David Ozeri will speak at 11:30 AM, and Rabbi Eli Mansour will speak at 1:00 PM. We hope to see you there.
Today's Halacha:
The Gemara in Masechet Eruvin (Daf 54) discusses the importance of studying Torah verbally, rather than simply reading the material with one's eyes. To retain Torah knowledge, the Gemara explains, one must ensure that the information is absorbed throughout his body, which one accomplishes by vocalizing the words as he studies. The Shulchan Aruch Ha'Rav (code of law written by Rav Shneur Zalman of Liadi, first Rebbe of Lubavitch) goes so far as to say that one who learns silently has not fulfilled the obligation of Torah learning at all. Since this obligation is presented in the Torah with the words, "Ve'dibarta Bam" ("And you shall speak in them"), it demands that one actually speak in matters of Torah, rather than just read them.
The Pele Yo'etz (Rabbi Eliezer Papo, 1785-1826) elaborates on the importance of learning Torah out loud, rather than silently. (Listen to audio for exact quote.) He writes that the sound of Torah studied out loud and articulately "pierces the heavens" and "bring joy to G-d." Those who study silently or inarticulately forfeit a great opportunity to accrue reward and bring joy and pleasure to the Almighty, as it were. Likewise, the Magid Mesharim (the book that documents the information revealed to Rav Yosef Karo through an angel) mentions that the audible sound of Torah learning creates many angels that protect and assist a person.
Our beloved teacher, Chacham Baruch Ben Haim A”H, would enter the Bet Midrash and see the students learning silently, and he would comment, "This room is filled with Torah!" The students would initially feel gratified over having received such a compliment, but he would then explain, "The room is filled with Torah – because it is not ascending to the heavens!" Only when one verbalizes out loud the material he learns does it rise to the heavens and please the Almighty.
Therefore, one must ensure to always learn Torah aloud, rather than silently, even when he learns alone and in private.
