... With regard to that which you write concerning your memory:
It is self-understood that you are to first and foremost repeat your lessons many times, not only by heart but inside as well, and conduct yourself in a manner of tznius.
In order to obtain G-d's assistance regarding the above: Give several cents to tzedakah every weekday morning prior to prayers. Also observe the three well-known study lessons of Chumash, Tehillim and Tanya.
(Igros Kodesh, Vol. XVI, p. 272)
... With regard to that which you write concerning your memory:
See to it that you do not become fatigued; i.e., when you are looking in a sefer or learning and you begin to feel that your power of memory is becoming fatigued, you should replace what you are currently learning with some other aspect of learning. For example, [change] from Mishnayos to Ein Yaakov, from Gemara to Mishnayos, and the like.
Alternately, [stop learning for a while and] occupy yourself with another mitzvah that you desire to do, and then return to your studies. Also, learn those subjects that your heart desires.
You should also know at least a number of chapters of Mishnayos by heart. Review them in a way that will not tire your memory, even if this should take a longer period of time.
(Igros Kodesh, Vol. XIII, p. 118)
... With regard to that which you write concerning your forgetting [things that you have learned]:
A practical piece of advice is that from time to time you should change the subject, which is to say, do not learn the same subject or the same style of learning for too many hours [straight].
After learning for an hour or for half an hour, you should change what you are currently learning with some other manner of learning — such as the difference between studying to accumulate knowledge (b'kius), or studying in depth (haamakah).
Another practical piece of advice is to put the contents of what you are learning — or the highlights of it — into writing.
(Igros Kodesh, Vol. XVIII, p. 119)
... You write about forgetfulness:
There is the known advice, in keeping with the saying of our Sages, of blessed memory,[47] that "They are alive to those who verbalize them" — [that one should] verbalize one's studies. It would be of great benefit to learn with a study partner, in a manner of "give and take." All the above is beneficial to improving one's memory.
Also, commit to memory the discourse titled "Vehadarta Pnei Zakein," found in Likkutei Torah at the conclusion of the portion Kedoshim.
See, as well, to check your tefillin, and give several cents to tzedakah prior to your daily weekday prayer. ...
(Igros Kodesh, Vol. XXII, p. 168)
Notes:
- (Back to text) Eruvin 54a.
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