T284 PNC - 'No Time to Learn' — Steal Time From Business, Like a Robber

Rebbe Nachman rebuked someone who told him he had no leisure to learn Torah because he was busy with business. The Rebbe answered: even so, you should snatch some time every day to occupy yourself with Torah. He explained: this is exactly what the Talmud (Shabbat 31a) means by the question "Did you set kove'a (fixed) times for Torah?" The word kove'a (קבע) is etymologically related to robbery — "and robs the soul of those who rob them" (Proverbs 22:23). Meaning: have you robbed time from your daily business — time you are busy earning — and dedicated it for Torah? Real fixity in Torah is achieved by stealing time from your other obligations. You don't make time; you take it.