What Is the Torah View on Supporting Those Learning Torah?
To support Torah is to support the very purpose of creation.
From the earliest pesukim of the Torah to the words of our Rishonim and Acharonim, the message is clear: those who enable Torah learning share in its reward. In a world that often measures success by material output, the Torah elevates the act of supporting Torah as a supreme spiritual investment—with eternal dividends.
In the Beginning… Yissachar and Zevulun
The classic source begins in Bereishis:
"Zevulun lechof yamim yishkon… Yissachar chamor garem." “Zevulun shall dwell by the seashores… Yissachar is a strong-boned donkey.” (Bereishis 49:13–14)
Chazal explain: Zevulun became a merchant, supporting his brother Yissachar’s Torah learning. In turn, Zevulun received a full share in Yissachar’s reward.
The Medrash Rabbah says:
"Zevulun preceded Yissachar [in the blessing] because without Zevulun’s support, Yissachar’s learning could not exist." (Bereishis Rabbah 99:9)
This was not charity—it was partnership. A sacred alliance. Zevulun was the sail, Yissachar the wind. Without one, the other could not move.
Talmudic Sources: Sharing in the Zechus
The Gemara Sotah 21a says:
“Gadol hame’aseh yoser min ha’oseh.” “Greater is the one who enables others to do than the one who does himself.”
The Rambam writes:
“One who cannot learn Torah himself can fulfill the mitzvah by supporting those who do.” (Hilchos Talmud Torah 3:10)
And the Shulchan Aruch (Y.D. 246:1) rules:
“It is a great mitzvah to support Torah learners, and the supporter is considered as if he learned himself.”
This isn’t a passive act—it is active participation in the world’s holiest endeavor.
Maaser and Supporting Torah
The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 482) writes that giving tzedakah to Torah learners is the highest form of giving, because:
“It strengthens the foundation of the world.”
Many poskim—like the Chazon Ish, Steipler Gaon, and Chacham Ovadia Yosef—write that one may give maaser money (tithes) specifically for supporting yeshivos, kollelim, or avreichim.
Rav Moshe Feinstein zt”l ruled that even when a person is struggling, if he gives to support Torah, he draws tremendous bracha into his life.¹
“But Aren’t We Keeping Them in Poverty?”
This is a question often asked with concern, but sometimes with cynicism:
“Isn’t supporting kollel life just enabling poverty?”
Here’s the Torah response:
- Torah Poverty Is Not Neglect—It’s Nobility. Chazal speak openly about the financial sacrifices of talmidei chachamim: “Such is the way of Torah: eat bread with salt, drink water in small measure, sleep on the ground… but toil in Torah.” (Avos 6:4) That’s not a curse—it’s a badge of honor. These are not impoverished people—they are rich in mission. It is a voluntary lifestyle, filled with mesirus nefesh and spiritual clarity. They are not victims—they are builders.
- Poverty Isn’t Caused by Torah—It’s Endured for Torah. Rav Aharon Kotler zt”l once said: “If Torah learners live simply, it is not because the Torah failed them—it is because they chose the Torah over luxury.”
- No One Criticizes an Artist or Researcher for Living Frugally. Society praises people who give up comfort to pursue academia, the arts, or humanitarian causes. Why, then, mock the one who gives up luxury to uphold Torah?
- Torah Learning Brings Blessing to the Whole Nation. The Gemara in Bava Basra 7b says: “One who supports Torah will be blessed with wealth in this world and the next.” Not only is the Torah learner uplifted—but the supporter is enriched.
- And let’s ask: What’s the alternative? Should we say to a brilliant ben Torah, “Go leave your Gemara and chase a salary”? What would that say about our values?
Rav Aharon Leib Shteinman zt”l once remarked:
“Supporting Torah doesn’t create poverty. It creates Olam Haba.”
Stories of Support That Changed Lives
The Merchant and the Vilna Gaon
A wealthy merchant in Vilna once asked the Gra:
“I’m not a lamdan. But I can support bochurim. Does that count?”
The Gra replied:
“You’ll stand next to me in Olam HaBa. Because without you, I could not learn as I do.”
The Chofetz Chaim and the Wagon Driver
A poor wagon driver once helped the Chofetz Chaim get to a derashah. He missed the event itself—but the Chofetz Chaim later said:
“Because you made it possible, the reward is yours too.”
That man’s descendants became Torah scholars.
The Bobover Rebbe’s Diamond Dealer
Rebbe Shlomo Halberstam zt”l once said to a hesitant donor:
“You sell diamonds that sparkle in this world. I’m offering diamonds that shine in the next.”
Every Jew Can Be a Partner
You don’t have to be wealthy. You don’t have to be learned.
If you give a ride to a bochur, cook for a kollel family, set up a monthly debit—even $10—you are building Torah.
As Rav Shteinman said:
“The world stands on Torah. And Torah stands on those who support it.”²
Conclusion: The Greatest Investment
In a world of uncertainty, markets rise and fall. But Torah? Torah is eternal.
Supporting Torah is not just about giving—it’s about joining. Not just about helping—it’s about belonging. Not just about parnassah—it’s about purpose.
As the Chazon Ish zt”l said:
“One who supports Torah becomes a partner with Hashem Himself in sustaining the world.”³
Footnotes & Sources
- Igros Moshe, Yoreh De’ah 2:112
- Ayelet HaShachar, vol. 3, Rav Shteinman on Torah Support
- Emunah u’Bitachon, Chazon Ish, Ch. 3
- Rambam, Hilchos Talmud Torah 3:10
- Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De’ah 246
- Bereishis Rabbah 99:9
- Sefer HaChinuch Mitzvah 482
- Midrash Tanchuma, Terumah 4
- Avos 6:4
- Bava Basra 7b