orah education, school, and friends can sometimes be tough. You have homework, you want to go out, and you have things to do. The list goes on. Sometimes we start to dislike our studies because of all these things that take us away from what we want to do. But that's not a fair reason not to like Torah study. Just because we have other things are now more fun than learning doesn't mean we are right about that. Truthfully, learning can be very interesting if you give it a chance.

Studying doesn't seem to be as much fun as hanging, seeing a movie, or going to town. We also get annoyed at teachers and parents because they take us away from what we really want. It's definitely a tough time. But it doesn't have to be. I've taught Hebrew studies for over 15 years. In grade school, high school and college. I've seen students who at first didn't like learning, but then they became very interested when they were able to ask their own questions, and get answers that made sense. I should know, I was like that when I was in school. I hated learning. But when I turned 17, I became friendly with someone who spent time each day showing me how to learn, and he answered my questions. He answered them so well, I enjoyed getting together with him. We spent hours learning. It could have been on any subject. Like why I should keep kosher and shabbos, or what proof there was for Judaism. Take my word for it, if your parents and teachers haven't shown you yet, I'll show you that you can also really like Torah study, and that there are answers to most of your questions which really make sense.

Mesora wants to help you in your Torah studies.
If your parents, teachers or rebbeim are busy, and you have an assignment, homework, or any question and need some help, e-mail me. I'll talk with you online, and do my best to help you out. You might even find an answer by using our "Search" button at your left. Just type in a word, and if any of our hundreds of articles has that word or name in it, you'll see it pop up, and you can click on it to read it. If you don't find what you're looking for, e-mail me. I'll write you back, or I'll research it if I don't know the answer. Hundreds of others have already e-mailed me, and I have responded. I even get a great thank you note sometimes!
I'll even teach you how to learn to figure out answers for yourself. There is a method. I even wrote a few papers on it in the Philosophy section under the "Method in Learning" heading at the bottom. Check it out. Just click here, "Philosophy" then scroll down to the bottom. You'll see it there. Click any article to read it.
You may find my answers are different or even go against what your parents or teachers tell you. But that's OK. The goal is to learn how to think properly, not necessarily to agree with everything you hear. It's OK to disagree with your parents and teachers on Torah issues. I'm certain they want you to learn how to think, even if you disagree with them sometimes. If they see you are honestly using your mind, that's definitely what they'll want most of all for you, and they will be proud that you are showing an interest in discovering what the truth is. God made each of us with our own minds so we can think for ourselves. That's what the Chovas Halevevos teaches us in his introduction. Click here to read it.

Mesora also wants to help with your personal issues.
I addition to schoolwork being tough, sometimes relationships or decisions can be hard too. You can e-mail those questions to me as well. I'll keep it private - just between you and me. I know what its like growing up, and all the problems that arise. I'll try my best to show you how you can actually deal with your own situation, and be happy. Sometimes it takes time, but its worth talking about it. So if you feel comfortable, and need someone to talk to, e-mail me here.

If this paper was given to you as a handout out, our web address is at the top. Go there, and contact me by sending an e-mail, or submitting a topic. I'll get back to you as soon as possible.

I'll do my best to help you in your Torah education, and other questions you may have.
I look forward to helping you with your questions.

Rabbi Moshe Ben-Chaim: m.ben-chaim@mesora.org