Torah study

Torah study is the study of the Torah, Hebrew Bible, Talmud, responsa, rabbinic literature, and similar works, all of which are Judaism's religious texts. According to Rabbinic Judaism, the study is done for the purpose of the mitzvah ("commandment") of Torah study itself. This practice is present to an extent in all religious branches of Judaism, and is considered of paramount importance among religious Jews. Torah study has evolved over the generations, as lifestyles changed and also as new texts were written. In rabbinic literature, a heavy emphasis is placed on Torah study for Jewish males, with women being exempt. This literature teaches an eagerness for such study and a thirst for knowledge that expands beyond the text of the Tanakh to the entire Oral Torah. Some examples of traditional religious teachings: The study of Torah is "equal to all" of the mitzvot of honouring one's parents, performing deeds of lovingkindness, and bringing peace between people. In one sense, Torah study is greater than the honor of father and mother since it is one of the only commandments for which a person is allowed to move far away from his parents without their permission. Some Talmudic rabbis consider Torah study as being greater than the rescue of human life, but Jewish law does not codify this opinion because saving a life overrides all other commandments except murder, incest, and idolatry. According to Rabbi Meir, when one studies Torah Lishma (Torah for its own sake - תורה לשמה) the creation of the entire world is worthwhile for him alone, and he brings joy to God. As the child must satisfy its hunger day by day, so must the grown man busy himself with the Torah each hour. Torah study is of more value than the offering of the daily sacrifice. A single day devoted to the Torah outweighs 1,000 korbanot (sacrifices). The fable of the Fish and the Fox, in which the latter seeks to entice the former to dry land, declares that [the People of] Israel can live only in the Law as fish can live only in the ocean.