Livelihood – Torah study vs. going to work

פרנסה – תורה ופרנסה

The Rebbe's guidance on Torah study and earning a living:

For bochurim: learn now, and don't let worry about the future disturb the learning. Young students should stay devoted to Torah study rather than worry about future livelihood; trust in Hashem, and diligent learning now is the strongest foundation for a livelihood later (IK 2025, 3952, 5017, 6184, 6587). Enthusiasm for full-time learning should be supported, not dampened (IK 10507). Spending time devoted to learning before making career decisions brings clarity and peace of mind (IK 7436).

For parents: don't take a son out of yeshiva for a trade for financial reasons. Financial concerns should not override a child's Torah study, and children's learning itself brings blessing to the family, including in livelihood and health (IK 3614, 4883).

For those who work: Torah stays central. Earning a living is necessary for many, but set fixed times for Torah study, and wherever possible keep learning at the center (IK 1641, 4656). Fixed times for Torah are themselves a channel for blessing, materially as well as spiritually (IK 3163, 4452, 6135). Balance the job with spiritual growth and family (IK 6164).

See also: פרנסה – ביטחון ודאגה; שידוכים – עיכוב הנישואין.

Shiurim in this topic

1641. Balancing Torah Study and Earning a Livelihood איזון לימוד תורה ופרנסה

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2025. Should a Fifteen-Year-Old Leave Yeshiva to Learn a Trade האם בן חמש עשרה צריך לעזוב את הישיבה כדי ללמוד אומנות

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3163. Encouragement to Remain in Yeshiva Despite Family Relocation Plans עידוד להישאר בישיבה למרות תוכניות העתקת המשפחה

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3952. Advice to a Young Man: Continue Yeshivah Without Worrying About Livelihood עצה לבחור צעיר, המשך ישיבה בלי לדאוג לפרנסה

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3614. On Not Removing a Son from Yeshivah to Teach Him a Trade על אי הוצאת בן מהישיבה ללמדו מקצוע

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