The Joy of Torah Study

One of the greatest pleasures that was given to the Jewish people, was the study of Torah. The Haftarah of Simchat Torah comes from the first chapter of the Book of Joshua.

He reminds the nation that “the Torah must not be removed from our mouths and hearts. We must recite words of Torah by day and by night. For then you will be wise and succeed in all of your ways.”

Joshua stressed the importance of constantly studying the Torah in the morning and evening, all the days of our lives.

The pleasure that comes from this study was expressed by my rebbe, Rabbi Zelig Starr. He used to describe the greatest pleasure when, “I would sit down with my cup of tea, and play ball with Abaye and Rava.”

He was transformed back to the days of the Amoraim, and he participated in their debates, in trying to uncover the truths of the Torah.

Appreciating the absolute bliss that comes with immersing ourselves in the study of Talmud and our holy books, takes time and effort. It is like entering a swimming pool that seems very cold. At first it is difficult to bear. But if one perseveres, he will not feel the cold. He will be swimming joyfully.

Many feel that they tried studying Torah, but never got that blissful feeling. They probably did not give it enough time, or they blocked themselves from allowing the Torah to become a part of their lives.

This is why Olam Haba is described as a place where the righteous are wearing crowns on their heads as they immerse themselves in Torah. They are experiencing eternal bliss. This same pleasure and joy is available to all of us if we would make the effort described by Joshua.