Is the Blessing of the Torah (Birkat HaTorah) obligatory from Torah law or only rabbinic?
Synopsis
Authorities debate whether the blessing recited before Torah study is a Torah-level obligation or rabbinic. This determines how to act in cases of doubt.
More in Torah Study Obligations
Does one need to recite Birkat HaTorah before studying Midrash in addition to Mikra, Mishnah, and Gemara?
3 opinions
Does one who writes words of Torah (without reading them aloud) need to recite Birkat HaTorah?
4 opinions
Does one who merely thinks (meharher) about Torah — without speaking — need to recite Birkat HaTorah?
4 opinions
Should 'V'ha'arev Na' be said with a vav (conjunction) or without?
3 opinions
Does reciting Ahavah Rabbah (or Ahavat Olam) exempt one from Birkat HaTorah, and under what conditions?
4 opinions
If one interrupted between Birkat HaTorah and Torah study, must one recite the blessing again?
3 opinions
Does interrupting Torah study to engage in personal affairs (melachah, sleep, bathhouse, bathroom) require a new Birkat HaTorah?
4 opinions
Does a regular daytime sleep (sheinat keva) on one's bed constitute a hefsek requiring a new Birkat HaTorah?
4 opinions
Related from other topics
Is one permitted to sit within four cubits if engaged in Torah study not related to prayer?
Not Passing Before Someone Praying
May one interrupt Amidah if called to the Torah?
Errors in Shemoneh Esrei
Does one whose Torah study is his sole occupation (talmudo b'yado) interrupt study for prayer?
Modim and Responsive Prayers
What is the benefit of regularly reciting the four phrases 'Act for the sake of Your Name / Right Hand / Torah / Holiness' at the end of Shemoneh Esrei?
Concluding Repetition and Kaddish
Is Nefilat Apayim (full face-covering) required only in a place where there is a Torah scroll, or may it be done anywhere?
Ashrei and U'Va L'Tzion
How many columns of the Torah scroll should be unrolled when displaying it to the congregation?
Torah Reading (Monday/Thursday)
Discussion
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