The Torah commands:

“You shall teach them diligently to your children” (Devarim 6:7).

From this verse Chazal derive the mitzvah of Talmud Torah, the obligation to study Torah and to transmit it to the next generation. Torah learning is not merely intellectual development; it is the covenantal foundation of Jewish life, through which Israel cleaves to Hashem and preserves the Divine wisdom entrusted at Sinai.

Rambam codifies that every Jew is obligated in Torah study, whether young or old, wealthy or poor (Hilchos Talmud Torah 1:8). A father must teach his son Torah, and if he cannot do so personally he must arrange for a teacher (Hilchos Talmud Torah 1:1–2). The obligation includes both learning and teaching, since Torah knowledge must be transmitted continuously from generation to generation.

The Talmud teaches that the commandment to teach Torah implies the duty to learn it as well, for one cannot teach what one has not first acquired (Kiddushin 29a). Sefer HaChinuch explains that Torah is the spiritual life-force of Israel; through Torah, a person learns proper conduct, faith, and holiness (Chinuch Mitzvah 419).

Rashi explains that the Torah’s phrase “when you sit in your house and when you walk on the way” indicates that Torah must permeate all aspects of life (Devarim 11:19). Ramban adds that constant engagement with Torah expresses deveikut, cleaving to Hashem through immersion in His wisdom.

Midrash teaches that Torah is the eternal inheritance of the Jewish people. By studying and teaching it, every generation renews the covenant and ensures that the light of Torah continues to illuminate Israel throughout history (Devarim Rabbah 7:3).

Rambam

• Source: Sefer HaMitzvos (Aseh 11); Hilchos Talmud Torah 1:1–8. Rambam defines Talmud Torah as a lifelong obligation binding every Jew. A father must teach his son Torah, and every person must devote fixed times to study regardless of circumstance. Through Torah study a Jew gains knowledge of Hashem and learns the path of righteous living.

Sefer HaChinuch

• Source: Sefer HaChinuch Mitzvah 419. The Chinuch explains that Torah study is the root of Jewish spiritual life. By learning Torah, a person acquires knowledge of mitzvos, cultivates moral character, and strengthens the bond between Israel and Hashem.

Rashi

• On Devarim 11:19. Rashi explains that the Torah’s language indicates that learning must permeate daily life. Torah should accompany a person in every circumstance, shaping speech, thought, and conduct.

Ramban

• Ramban teaches that constant Torah study reflects deveikus, cleaving to Hashem through immersion in His wisdom. The more a person engages with Torah, the more he attaches himself to the Divine source of that wisdom.

Talmud & Midrash

• Kiddushin 29a derives the obligation to both learn and teach Torah from the command to instruct one’s children.
• Kiddushin 30a declares that Torah is the life and enduring inheritance of Israel.
• Devarim Rabbah 7:3 describes Torah as the eternal heritage of the Jewish people, transmitted through every generation.
• Sanhedrin 99a teaches that one who abandons Torah study is considered as if he has rejected the covenant itself. The Gemara explains that Torah study is not merely one mitzvah among many but the very framework through which the covenant between Hashem and Israel is sustained.

Acharonim & Modern Torah Giants

• Rav Hirsch explains that Torah study preserves the spiritual identity of the Jewish people by transmitting Divine wisdom across generations.
• The Chazon Ish emphasizes that Torah study is the central force sustaining Jewish spiritual life and guiding ethical conduct.
• The Vilna Gaon teaches that every word of Torah studied creates immeasurable spiritual impact in the upper worlds. Through learning Torah a person participates in the unfolding of Divine wisdom within creation, demonstrating that Torah study is both intellectual engagement and cosmic spiritual activity.

Chassidic & Mussar Classics

• Chassidic masters teach that Torah study unites the human intellect with Divine wisdom, allowing the soul to connect directly with the word of Hashem.
• Mussar works emphasize that Torah learning refines character, guiding a person toward humility, discipline, and moral clarity.

Contrast with Mitzvah 76 — Reciting the Shema

• Shema requires the daily recitation of specific Torah passages.
• Talmud Torah encompasses all areas of Torah study without limitation.
• Rambam explains that reciting Shema fulfills part of the obligation of Torah study, but the mitzvah of learning extends throughout one’s life.

Parallel to Mitzvah 23 — Honoring Torah Teachers

• Mitzvah 22 establishes the obligation to study and transmit Torah.
• Mitzvah 23 emphasizes respect for the teachers who preserve that transmission.
• Together they form the chain through which Torah passes from generation to generation.