Variations of the Blessing to Study Torah

The language of the blessing we say each morning for the opportunity to study Torah is debated amongst the poskim, with the general distinction drawn along sefardic and ashkenazic lines.

The varying editions of the Talmud provide for the earliest source of the two versions, yet the majority of rishonim endorse the words al divrei Torah[1] as well as Rabbi Yosef Caro in the Shulchan Aruch[2].

According to Avudraham[3], the words al divrei Torah encompass the performance of mitzvos as well, providing the blessing with broader meaning[4].

Additionally, Rabbi Moshe Cordevero in his Siddur Tefillah LeMoshe[5] provides Kabbalistic insights into this specific wording.

There are however different traditions as far as the language in the Siddur of the Arizal[6]. The choice of the Baal HaTanya to enshrine the version of al divrei Torah in his Siddur points to the tradition he received.

Despite the practical difference of saying al divrei Torah, the Rebbes of Chabad often chose to underscore the importance of Torah study based on the ashkenazic language of the blessing, “laasok bedivrei Torah,” namely that one must engage in the study of Torah as though it were a business venture, where one invests great effort and energy to succeed[7]. In a similar way, one should delve deeply into the study of Torah, with the intention of applying all one has learned to actual practice[8].

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[1]) Rosh (Brochos 1:13); Avudraham (Seder Hashkamas Haboker); Sefer Hamanhig (Tefillah, 10); Orchos Chaim (Meah Brochos, 12); Rambam (Tefillah 7:10); Rif (Brochos 5b); Rabbeinu Yonah (ibid) testifying that this is the language in the most accurate versions he had.

[2]) Orach Chaim 47:5.

[3]) Ibid.

[4]) It is noteworthy that Rabbi Moshe Shternbuch (Teshuvos Vehanhagos Orach Chaim 5:20) is of the opinion that even amongst those who follow saying the version of laasok bedivrei Torah, women should say al divrei Torah because this language refers (not only to the study of Torah, but) to the Torah itself.

[5]) Shaar Rishon, 11

[6]) See Siddur Rabbeinu Hazaken by Rabbi Levi Yitschak Raskin, for several different traditions.

[7]) See Bayis Chadash (Orach Chaim, 47); Pri Megadim (Orach Chaim 682).

[8]) See Likutei Sichos vol. 30, p. 210.