Rabbi Nachman of Breslov
“I have very much wanted to inspire people to take on a discipline of learning a certain amount of Torah every day.” Rebbe Nachman strongly emphasized the need for a daily, disciplined schedule of Torah learning, rebuking those who failed to learn regularly. He taught that this discipline brings both spiritual reward and a deep love for Torah itself, surpassing even the desire for the world-to-come .
Shulchan Aruch and Mishnah Berurah (summarized by contemporary rabbis)
“Even if one canʼt learn Torah all day long - he should at the very least set a fixed time that he never misses – no matter what – even if by so doing he loses an opportunity to make a lot of money.” This classic halachic instruction, cited in the Shulchan Aruch and explained by the Mishnah Berurah, underscores that a Jew must designate a fixed, unwavering time for Torah study daily, regardless of competing opportunities or obligations .
Rabbi Osher Chaim Levene (summarizing classical sources)
“A Jew has to ‘make his Torah fixed and all other business secondaryʼ – because it supersedes everything else. In the words of the Mishnah Peah Talmud torah kneged kulom, ‘Torah study is equal to all other mitzvosʼ.” This reflects the longstanding rabbinic tradition that Torah study must be a central, non- negotiable part of daily life, prioritized above all other pursuits .
Rabbi Akiva (as cited in the Talmud and Midrash)
“Even though a man learnt Torah in his youth he must still learn Torah in his old age.” Rabbi Akiva, a towering figure in rabbinic history, insisted on the lifelong obligation to set aside time for Torah study, regardless of age or circumstance .
Summary of the Principle
The consensus among rabbinic authorities is clear: Every Jew is obligated to set aside a fixed time for Torah study that is not to be interrupted for mundane matters. This discipline is seen as essential for personal spiritual growth and the sustenance of the world itself .