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By Rabbi Gershon Avtzon

Question: I’m a serious student with an average natural intelligence. I work hard in my studies and try to retain the information that I learn. I find that I seem to forget things pretty quickly and I assume that I am not the only one that struggles in this area. I was wondering if the Rebbe ever wrote about practical solutions to this problem.

Answer: Thank you for writing to me and I can assure you that you are correct in the assumption that you are not the only one to struggle with this. Many people had written to the Rebbe about this specific learning issue, and the following are some of the answers that the Rebbe writes to people. I will also include answers that the Rebbe wrote to people that complained about a sudden weakening of their memory.

Learn Verbally; Have a Charusa

(1) “In response to your question is how to deal with forgetfulness: In accordance with the directive of Chazal, it is advisable to learn verbally (not just with your eyes and mind), and it would be even better if you spent the time learning and discussing your studies with a study partner. These things help with retaining the information being learned.” (Igros, Vol. 22, p. 168; #8369)

Learn From Inside; Be Modest

(2) “Regarding what you write about strengthening your memory: It is self-understood that it is imperative that you review the material being learned a few times and also from inside (the sefer) and to act in a modest way. In order to be a vessel to receive the siyata diShmaya (divine assistance) to be successful in the above, you should give a few coins to tzedakah before davening in the morning and be careful to learn Chitas…” (Igros, Vol. 16, p. 222; #6046)

Enjoy What You Learn

(3) “In response to your letter in which you write that you seem to be becoming more forgetful in your learning: 

In most cases, it is caused by the following two things: (a) When you are learning without enjoyment of the material being learned. This — learning not coming from your inner desire — causes forgetfulness… (b) From the lack of being careful in “Kedushas Habris”. When you strengthen yourself in these two areas, your memory will also be strengthened and you will see success in your learning of nigleh and Chassidus.” (Igros, Vol. 9, p. 249; #2874)

Mishnayos B’al Peh & Tzedakah

(4) “Regarding what you write about becoming forgetful (lo aleinu): There’s a famous segula of learning mishnayos by heart and to give some coins to tzedakah before davening.” (Igros, Vol. 17 p. 318; #6468)

Vary Topics and Style; Write Summaries

(5) “Regarding what you write about becoming forgetful: Some of the solutions for this is to change the topic (and style) of what you are learning from time to time. This means that after learning a certain subject for an hour (or 90 minutes), switch to a different subject (or style i.e., b’iyun vs. l’girsa — in depth or to cover ground). Another practical solution is to get into the habit of writing down what you learned or at least the general outline of what you learned.” (Igros, Vol. 18, p. 119; #6621)

Don’t Strain Your Brain 

(6) “Regarding what you write about the weakening of your memory: In these types of situations, it is not good to strain your brain; on the contrary, to relieve the brain of pressure. Thus you should focus your learning on Torah topics that you enjoy and the enjoyment of the subject matter will help enhance your memory and eventually you will return to your full strength.” (Igros, Vol. 8, p. 302; #2552)

Don’t Dwell On It

I would like to end with a very important letter of the Rebbe connected to this topic:

(7) “This that you wrote that you do not feel successful in your learning and it seems to you that you forget what you learn: I’m pretty certain that I already wrote to you that this mindset is all coming from the yetzer hara, thus it is a waste of time to debate with him (the yetzer hara) and to see if it is true or not while this time can be utilized in actual learning, especially learning with others, which will help you be successful.” (Igros, Vol. 21 p. 360; #8118)

The Moshiach Connection

The whole idea of forgetting our Torah learning is a symptom of Galus. As G-dliness is concealed, it can lead to a Jew forgetting his Torah learning. In the times of Moshiach, explains the Alter Rebbe in Iggeres HaKodesh of Tanya (Epistle 26), no Jew will forget their Torah learning.

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