May one recite biblical verses or supplications before reciting the blessings over Torah study (birkat hatorah)?
Synopsis
The Mechaber rules one may not recite biblical verses before birkat hatorah even as supplication, and that it is correct to be stringent. The Rema records the Ashkenazic practice to be lenient, since Selichot and other verses are said before the blessing. The GRA disagrees with the Rema's recommended practice of saying 'Baruch Shem' after Shema in anticipation of missing birkat hatorah.
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Discussion
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