There Are Four Types Among Those Who Attend The House Of Study: One Who Attends But Does Not Engage [In Study] Earns The Reward For Going. One Who Engages [In Study] But Does Not Attend Earns The Reward For The Act [Of Studying]. One Who Attends And Engages [In Study] Is Pious. One Who Neither Attends Nor Engages [In Study] Is Wicked.

There Are Four Types Among Those Who Attend The House Of Study

The natural place for all Jews is the House of Study. Even a person who in fact "neither attends nor engages [in study]," is therefore "among those who attend the House of Study."

(Sichos Shabbos Parshas Eikev, 5747)

Alternatively, we can interpret the reference to one who "neither attends nor engages [in study]" as pertaining to a person prevented from carrying out these activities by circumstances beyond his control. Even so, from the standpoint of mili dechassidusa, he is considered wicked.[53] As the Previous Rebbe would say:[54] "A completely righteous man who neglects his Torah study because of the weakness of his body must turn [to G-d] in complete teshuvah from the depths of his heart."

(Sichos Shabbos Parshas Nitzavim-Vayeilech, 5739)

   

Notes:

53. (Back to text) Here also, the pattern of causality is significant. The fact that a person is prevented by circumstances beyond his control is a sign that he is lacking in this dimension. See Rambam, Mishneh Torah, Hilchos Teshuvah 9:2.

54. (Back to text) Likkutei Dibburim, Vol. II, p. 65 (English translation).