Q. Dear Rabbi
When considering complying with the mitzva of teshuva, is it better to choose a relative small but constant mitzva that one can mend and keep at all times. (Such as learning Torah and keeping shiurim). Or is it better to pick an important and very meaningful mitzva, that one may only be able to do maybe once a year? (Such as helping a family in economic strain to find the right parnassa). If both can't be done, on which should one concentrate?
A. Our Sages debate in a number of places which is greater, Talmud Torah or performing mitzvos. (See Kidushin 40b, Bava Kama 17a, Megilah 3a & 16b, et. al.).
Rambam (Hilchos Talmud Torah 3: 3) rules that; There is no Mitzva equal to Talmud Torah. Rather, Talmud Torah is equal to all the Mitzvos, because learning leads to fulfilling. Therefore, learning always comes before fulfilling.
Shulchan Aruch (Y.D. 246:18): maintains that Talmud Torah is equal to all the Mitzvos. If one has an opportunity to do a Mitzvah or learn Torah, if someone else can do the Mitzva he should not cease learning. If not, he should do the Mitzva and resume learning.
Therefore, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that he should try as much as possible to find the right balance to be able to accomplish both. Since there are many variables to each situation, and conditions change, he should consult continuously with a competent Rabbi, to be able to do so succesfully.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
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