This is a common question on Shavuos. The Mishnah Berurah (47:28) writes that there is a difference of opinion among
poskim as to whether one who was awake all night recites
birchas ha’Torah in the morning. The Beiur Ha’Gra (47:12) and Pri Chadash (47:12) write that one does not recite a
bracha; however, the Magen Avrohom (47:12) and Elya Rabba (47:9) write that a
bracha is recited every day even if one did not sleep. To avoid this uncertainty, one should listen to the
bracha of one who slept and answer Amen. If this is not possible, he should have in mind to fulfill the
mitzvah of
birchas ha’Torah when reciting the
bracha of ‘
Ahavah Rabba’, and study Torah immediately after
Shmoneh Esrei. If one had taken a nap during the previous day, Rebbi Akiva Eieger (OC 47:12) writes that one may recite
birchas ha'Torah in the morning even though they were up all night. But what if one had not napped the previous day and will not be
davening now, but wants to continue studying Torah? The Aruch Hashulchan (47:23) as well as other
poskim write that the common custom is like the Magen Avrohom, that a
bracha should be recited, though the Mishnah Berurah maintains that a
bracha should not be recited because of the conflicting opinions.
Learn more about the Halacha Yomis program and subscribe
Subscribers can also ask their own questions on Kashrus issues and send them to GerstenE@ou.org. These questions and their answers may be selected to become one of the Q and A’s on OU Kosher Halacha Yomis.