The Torah (Bereshit 49) states: “Zevulun shall dwell by the seashore; he shall be a haven for ships and his flank shall rest on Sidon. Yissachar is a strong-boned donkey crouching by the sheepfolds.”
Our Sages explained that Zevulun would be involved in business by transferring merchandise by ship and selling it. He would split all his profits with Yissachar and provide for all his material needs so that Yissachar could calmly delve in Torah study. This is what the Torah means by “Yissachar is a strong-boned donkey,” for Yissachar carried the burden of toil and dedication in Torah his entire life and he would not involve himself in other worldly matters, as most people did.
Similarly, when the Torah states, “Crouching by the sheepfolds,” our Sages expounded that this refers to the students of Yissachar who crouched by his feet to study Torah.” It is for this reason that before Moshe Rabbeinu’s passing, he proceeded to bless Zevulun before Yissachar, as the verse states, “Be glad, Zevulun, on your journeys, and Yissachar in your tents,” for were it not for Zevulun’s support, Yissachar would be unable to toil in Torah since “if there is no flour (livelihood), there is no Torah.” Yissachar merited producing two hundred heads of the Sanhedrin. Regarding Zevulun, the verse states, “It is a tree of life for those who hold onto it and those who support it shall be happy.”
Thus, the Tur writes that one who cannot study Torah because one does not possess such capacity or due to severe time constraints should financially support other scholars who do delve in Torah study, and this will be considered as if one studied himself. Maran Ha’Shulchan Aruch rules (Yoreh De’ah, Chapter 246) writes that one who cannot study Torah on one’s own should provide for the material needs of those who do.
Maran Rabbeinu Ovadia Yosef zt”l quotes the words of the Tur as Halacha. Indeed, the Gemara (Sotah 21a) states that the Nassi would provide for all the material needs of Rabbi Yochanan as he studied Torah, for there is no greater worth and value in the world than the holy Torah.
Maran zt”l adds that although one who financially supports Torah scholars is considered a “Zevulun,” one should not completely forsake Torah learning. Rather, one should set established times for Torah study, especially Halacha, so that one can know how to properly observe the Mitzvot.
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