Igros Moshe (YD IV #36.5) Question: Is a person obligated to minimimze his parnosa to the bare minimumum in order to study Torah? Answer I do not see a single source that anyone is exempt from the obligation to learn the entire Torah and know it properly and it is forbidden to forget it. In fact the Rambam states because of this that a person is obligated to learn everyday his entire life.because otherwise he will forget it. It is only because of the necessity to eat and drink and dress and have a home that he is exempt for a period of time from study. There is even time when it is prohibited from learning. That is because the need to work to obtain minimal food and drink and dwelling not only for himself but also for his wife and children. During that time it is prohibited to study. However it is permitted to work in addition to acquire money that enables him to eat and drink above the absolute minimum for pleasure or health if that is normal. Eating meat and other foods for example. However he minimizes eating just to feel good. This is also true for his wife and children. Raising the standard above what the average is prohibited since he has the obligation to study Torah. In addition he needs to be aware that being rich is not because of natural efforts but is only by G-d’s blessing. It is important to note that the Rambam doesn’t say that it is prohibited to work more than the minimum that is needed and that one who does work more nullifies the mitzva of Torah study. It seems from other sources that it isn’t an issue of prohibition but of an ideal that only a few are capable of reaching. Thus it is not prohibited to work even for the sake of wealth, it means however that the person is unlikely to become a talmid chachom or even achieve his potential in Torah study.
There is a concept of Realpolitik
ReplyDeletethere is also something I call Realhalakhic.
Realhalakhic is what people do in the real world, as opposed to what is written in seforim, including the Rambam itself.
Rambam writes that one should work a number of hours per day, and then learn the rest of the day. This was perhaps when he was receiving a stipend from his brother. When he escaped Spain, and had to deal with market forces, he writes a letter saying how hard life is, that he works for Sultan 6 days a week, and doesn't get a chance to learn any Torah, except on shabbat.
This means that halacha in books, codes, are just theoretical, in a bubble, and even the authors of the greatest books didn't always follow their own advice. So why should we?
Dangerous slippery slope
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