How to Read a Sefer – AR’s Short Guide

Becoming a Better Reader

Instead of a better listener; let’s compare & contrast the two means of assimilation. Note: Our definition of “reading” includes listening to a recorded lecture.

A: Same as with listening, one must concentrate on empathy (putting yourself in the author’s shoes), and have actual respect for the author (not some nebulous “withholding of judgment”).

B: Likewise, certain physical aspects of deferential body language (posture, “eye contact”, cessation of activity, eliminating distractions, etc.) are still important, though the source may not be present — this not for the author’s benefit but your own. These are strong signs of attention/detachment, so be vigilant.

On the other hand, unlike listening where you have but one ‘life’, and are generally “put on the spot”, reading is a kinder assignment. The author isn’t physically present to feel ignored when you ‘multitask’, interrupt or put him on Pause. You also have two stages for understanding as opposed to the one, often called First Reading and Second Reading.

C: First Reading is relatively easy. You sail through the words enjoyably, just “to get a picture” of the content. As you read, avoid formulating any rejoinder, whether disagreement or piggy-backing assent, regardless of your own feelings on the subject matter.

D: During First reading, take the text at surface value. Postpone deciphering “hidden” meanings, including psychological imputations of the author, making out his faction and orientation, influences and any Freudian extrapolations based on word choice, etc. I personally find this instruction unbearable (even for listening!), but I am aware of its importance.

E: Before approaching the Second Reading step, make sure you still have an open mind. If you acquired an overly negative view of the book or its author (whether previously or presently) you must “deprogram” yourself before continuing. This is mental effort well invested. If you are unable to reserve judgment, a true reading is henceforth impossible.

Unless you form a critical opinion of the author and decisively give up on any further attempt to dig his mind, you must forge on up until he has convinced you one way or the other. Which isn’t to say you can’t take a break (or several…)!

F: A worshipful, overly positive view is also harmful (a topic for another time).

G: Second Reading is more difficult, and involves more conscious action and critical thinking on your part.

Here, unlike with real interlocutors, you may “interrupt” the input to gain clarity or solidify. “Heichi dami” and similar interjections in Gemara readily come to mind. (In Shas we find this phenomenon even when the quoted sage was alive and present as well, interestingly.)

Just to clarify: There are no stiff rules here. Each of these stages may involve additional rereading, summaries, etc. If you want to mix things up, or are intellectually gifted you will find this division unreasonably limiting. That is, as long as you aren’t fooling yourself as to your true level of comprehension.

H: One more. When it comes to listening you have no choice but to follow the speaker’s pace. Let your mind wander, and you lose those words spoken in the interim. When reading, by contrast, take advantage of any paragraph or chapter (or other) breaks to ponder what you learn and to let it percolate.

As Chazal say (Bamidbar Rabbah 14:20):

א”ר שמעון… וכי מה הפסקות היו משמשות ליתן ריוח למשה להתבונן בין פרשה לפרשה ובין ענין לענין והרי דברים ק”ו ומה אם מי שהוא שומע מפי הקב”ה ומדבר ברוה”ק צריך להתבונן בין פרשה לפרשה ובין ענין לענין על אחת כמה וכמה הדיוט מהדיוט.

Stay hungry; stay foolish.

Try these tips out on your favorite Torah books, and tell me what you think!