What’s the Charedi View on Full-Time Torah Learning vs. Working?
In the Charedi world, full-time Torah learning is not simply a “life choice.” It is the highest form of avodas Hashem, the beating heart of the Jewish People, and the foundation upon which all of Klal Yisrael rests.
That doesn’t mean that working is inherently negative—not at all. But the ideal, as taught by Chazal and upheld by our greatest Gedolim, is that if a Jew is able to sit and learn Torah full-time, then the community should support and treasure that effort for as long as possible. Torah is our lifeblood—not merely a personal fulfillment, but a national necessity.
Torah is the Highest Avodah
The Gemara in Kiddushin (82a) asks: Which is greater—Torah or action? The answer: Torah is greater, because it leads to action.
Rav Moshe Feinstein zt”l explained that Torah learning is not just preparation for life—it is life itself. The Mishnah in Peah famously lists mitzvos whose reward is unlimited, and at the end says:
“ותלמוד תורה כנגד כולם” “And the study of Torah is equal to them all.” (Peah 1:1)
Rav Shach zt”l, Rav Aharon Kotler zt”l, the Chazon Ish zt”l—all taught with burning clarity that the world exists in the merit of Torah learning. It is the true army of Klal Yisrael. Every page of Gemara learned in purity sustains our nation more than any economic output or military achievement.
Parnassah is a Necessity, Not an Ideal
Chazal indeed praised combining Torah with derech eretz (Pirkei Avos 2:2), but never placed work on the same pedestal as Torah learning. The Vilna Gaon and the Rambam both encouraged earning a livelihood with integrity, but neither suggested that it could ever match the spiritual heights of full-time learning.
When one must work, it should be done l’shem Shamayim and with kedushah. But the goal remains: to support Torah—not to replace it.
Our Community’s Responsibility
If a bochur or avreich is able to learn—and has the passion, diligence, and yiras Shamayim to dedicate himself to a life of Torah—then supporting him is a communal mitzvah.
The Chazon Ish zt”l wrote that one who supports Torah learners is a full partner in their mitzvah【1】. Rav Chaim Kanievsky zt”l famously encouraged the support of kollelim as one of the most powerful ways to earn zechusim for oneself and one’s family【2】.
Rav Aharon Leib Shteinman zt”l was once asked why we invest so much in Torah learners who may not become Roshei Yeshiva. He answered, “Not every soldier becomes a general. But without foot soldiers, there is no army.”
When a Ben Torah Must Enter the Workforce
Of course, not everyone is able to learn full-time indefinitely. Parnassah, family obligations, health, or other limitations may require one to transition to work.
In such cases, we follow the words of the Rambam (Hilchos Talmud Torah 3:10): one should never abandon Torah entirely, but learn each day, morning and evening, as much as possible.
The goal is to remain a ben Torah whether one is in the Beis Midrash or the business world. Torah should guide the day, shape the mind, and never become secondary to one’s career.
The Ultimate Dream
In the days of Moshiach, says the Rambam (Hilchos Melachim 12:5), the world will be filled with the knowledge of Hashem, and we will no longer be preoccupied with survival. Then, all Jews will return to their true purpose—Torah and closeness to Hashem.
Until that day comes, we must preserve the flame of Torah in every generation. And that means supporting those who can learn, not pulling them away.
As the Chofetz Chaim zt”l once said, "If we understood the power of a page of Gemara, we would sell everything we have just to support one more hour of learning."
In Conclusion
The Charedi view is not against work—but it is fully for Torah.
Work is a tool; Torah is a purpose. When a Jew can sit and learn Torah, he becomes a living Mishkan. And when others support him, they become builders of that Mishkan.
Let the outside world chase degrees and titles. Our heroes are those with clarity, humility, and the courage to give their life to the Torah HaKedosha.
Sources & Footnotes
- Chazon Ish, Emunah u’Bitachon, ch. 3 – speaks about the holiness of supporting Torah and the value of each word of learning.
- Testimonies of close family members and printed letters from Rav Chaim Kanievsky regarding supporting Torah learning for protection, zechusim, and personal salvation.
- Kiddushin 82a – the classic source for the superiority of Torah over action.
- Peah 1:1 – Torah equals all other mitzvos.
- Rambam, Hilchos Talmud Torah 3:10 – obligation of Torah learning morning and night even for those who work.
- Pirkei Avos 2:2 – praises combining Torah and derech eretz; however, as Rav Moshe Feinstein explains (Igros Moshe, Yoreh Deah 2:116), Torah remains the ikkar.