Question:
Does the custom not to study Tanach at night apply to Friday night or motza’ei Shabbos? And what is the source for this custom?
Discussion:
In several Midrashim, Chazal link the study of the Written Torah to the daytime and the study of the Oral Torah to the night. Based on these and other sources, the Arizal writes that only the Oral Torah should be studied at night; Tanach should be studied only during the day. Among the later poskim we find varying degrees of acceptance. Some strictly adhere to it, while others accept it as a stringency lechatchilah, and others do not follow the ruling at all. One should follow his family’s custom.
Even many who follow the Arizal’s ruling exclude Thursday night, Friday night, or motza’ei Shabbos. Yom Tov and Chol HaMoed nights are also excluded. Other exceptions include:
- Women, children or adults unable to study Oral Torah.
- Pesukim said as prayers or segulos (Tehilim, etc.).
- Learning with a group.
- Preparation for Torah reading (ba'al korei).
- Studying Tanach with Rashi.