Should a person of average or below average intelligence still learn Torah even though his understanding might be limited? Or is better for him to support talmidei chamim who can learn more in depth?
Answer:
If a person finds it difficult to learn, and does not understand his learning, he can certainly dedicate himself to working and supporting Torah scholars. The decision of how much to learn and how much to work is a personal decision that depends on many factors, and this is definitely a factor that can be taken into consideration.
The main point to note is that even somebody who opts for the option of working and supporting Torah study, remains obligated in setting aside time for his own Torah study, so that he should know how to observe the laws of the Torah, and so that his own mitvzah of Torah study will be fulfilled.
This is stated explicitly by Rambam (Talmud Torah 1:8), who writes that every Jew, even a pauper or somebody with the burden of supporting a large family, must establish set times for Torah study both during the day and at night. Shulchan Aruch Harav adds that even somebody who finds that he is unable to study Torah for the entire designated period should at least study Torah in a part of this time slot.
Please see here and here, where we have expounded on this subject.
Best wishes.
