In last week’s parshat Shoftim, we read about the duties of a king:

‘And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book, out of that which is before the priests the Levites.’ V. 18

וְהָיָה כְשִׁבְתּוֹ, עַל כִּסֵּא מַמְלַכְתּוֹ–וְכָתַב לוֹ אֶת-מִשְׁנֵה הַתּוֹרָה הַזֹּאת, עַל-סֵפֶר, מִלִּפְנֵי, הַכֹּהֲנִים הַלְוִיִּם.

Why did Elohim require the king to write the Torah?  He could have just left it at the mitzvah to read the Torah (v.19), i.e. get a copy from the priest and study it.  Instead, He instructs the king to write (catav) it for himself (under the priest’s supervision) and then read (karah) it daily.

We know that every word which proceedeth out of the mouth of YHWH is with purpose and meaning. 

So, could it be that YHWH is revealing an important key to learning and memorizing Torah and learning in general? 

According to academic research, writing down information stimulates multiple learning centers in the brain and helps us to:

• Memorize – Handwriting helps us to intentionally commit information to memory, often through repetition and deliberate effort. Memorization is similar to filling a mental library with flashcards that can be accessed when needed.1

• Retain – Writing information by hand helps us retrieve information over time. Retention is a specific aspect of memory, which is the overall process of storing and retaining information.2

• Understand – ‘Handwriting requires active engagement with incoming information, leading to better retention and understanding of the concepts.3

(See sources in footnotes below).

As a both a singer-songwriter and a teacher, I couldn’t help but see this aspect of the parsha through an educational lens.

When we understand the science of learning, we can clearly see the wisdom in Elohim having the king write the Torah and then read it daily.  He is in effect giving rulers (and us) a key to committing Torah to memory – especially with the combined effort of writing and reading it daily.  

With the obvious end being, to not just know the Torah but to do it – also called the ‘fear of’ or ‘yiraht ha Shem. This is a ruler who would rule with justice and righteous judgement (tzedek and mishpat) thereby blessed and sustained by Elohim,

How can these principles guide our studies?

Although we are not kings and queens on literal thrones, we are leaders of families, organizations, communities and the world.

So, the practice given to the king of writing Torah or parts of Torah along with daily study, will help us too memorize, retain, know the chukim and edute so that we can keep and do it.

Food for thought. I’d love to hear from you.

If you are interested in Hebrew language or Torah studies with me, visit http://www.queenmakedah.com/hebrew-classes.

Shalom!

Peace and Blessings, Makedah