“Rebi Meir said: Whoever engages in Torah study for its own sake merits many things; what is more, the entire world was created for such an individual...”
The gemara (Menachos 110a) states that if one learns the halachos of the Korban Olah it is as if he actually offered a Korban Olah on the mizbei’ach. Similarly, says Rebi Meir, one who studies the Torah and learns its 613 mitzvos is merited with having actually fulfilled those mitzvos.
The Chasam Sofer says that the individual who studies Torah sustains the world
R’ Elchonon Wasserman states that he vindicates the whole world
Moreover, our chachamim learn in Brachos 34b concerning one who studies Torah, i.e. a talmid chacham, that his reward is so great in olam haba, it is unrevealed even to the Nevi’im.
It is told that R’ Chaim Volozhiner instituted various sedarim in the yeshiva to ensure that there was Torah learning around the clock. He also learned Motzoei Yom Kippur, until chatzos, to maintain the continuity of Torah study.
