Where Do I Start?

Question

I am a 17 year old Jewish boy and I want to get into learning about the teachings and rules and stories of the Tanakh and Halacha. I want to know where to start and where to go with my learning journey. There is so much to learn in this religion that I just want some direction at least to start. What resources should I use? What should I learn first?

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Answers

  1. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team

    I imagine that you may feel that what I am about to suggest is not terribly helpful, but my feeling is that you should go to a site like www.eichlers.com and “browse” around. Baruch Hashem, today there is a plethora of excellent books available in English and/or with the original Hebrew and a contemporary English translation. You will find there different categories of learning material and you can choose whichever appeal to you the most. You do not have to purchase any of the books but it will definitely give you am idea of what is out there.

    Where should you start? If you are beginning your voyage into studying the Jewish texts alone, I would suggest that you begin with the subjects that fascinate you the most. For example, if you have a particular connection to Shabbos, learn the Halachos of Shabbos. If you enjoy studying the narratives in Tanach begin with the sections that you find the most interesting. One thing that I would suggest is that you split your learning time up, so that you study different subjects and not just be focused on one particular thing. So, for example, if you set aside an hour a day for study, you use some of it for studying Tanach, some for studying Halacha and perhaps some for studying Mishna.

    Please accept my personal Brocha that you continue to grow in Torah knowledge and observance for many, many more years to come.

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team