Hi,
Pirkei Avot 6:5 teaches that Torah is acquired in 48 ways, which it lists for us. The forty-first of the 48 is ma'amido al ha'emet, to encourage one's colleagues to pursue truth. The forty-second of the 48 is ma'amido al ha'shalom, to encourage one's colleagues to pursue peace.
There are part of a series of "ways" which address one's relationship with his chavruta [partner in study]. One who simply accepts his chavruta's comments, without analyzing and critiquing them and driving his chavruta toward truth, will have a much weaker learning process; we learn more when those around us are challenged to refine their thoughts. On the other hand, we must also encourage them to pursue peace, building a constructive relationship rather than a contentious one.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
48 Ways: #40 - Judge others favorably
Hi,
Pirkei Avot 6:5 teaches that Torah is acquired in 48 ways, which it lists for us. The fortieth of the 48 is machri'o l'kaf zchut, one who judges his colleague favorably.
This follows the previous "way", which also spoke of one's interactions with others. One who suspects others of general wrongdoing, or of non-comprehension of the topic they are discussing, will not be able to learn from their questions or their point of view. One who trains himself to assume the best of others, though, seeking the truth and value in their statements, will be open to learning from them, and will have an advantage in his studies.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Pirkei Avot 6:5 teaches that Torah is acquired in 48 ways, which it lists for us. The fortieth of the 48 is machri'o l'kaf zchut, one who judges his colleague favorably.
This follows the previous "way", which also spoke of one's interactions with others. One who suspects others of general wrongdoing, or of non-comprehension of the topic they are discussing, will not be able to learn from their questions or their point of view. One who trains himself to assume the best of others, though, seeking the truth and value in their statements, will be open to learning from them, and will have an advantage in his studies.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Monday, May 20, 2013
48 Ways: #39 - Share the burden of others
Hi,
Pirkei Avot 6:5 teaches that Torah is acquired in 48 ways, which it lists for us. The thirty-ninth of the 48 is nosei b'ol im chaveiro, that one bear the burdens of others with them.
As we have said for other items in this list, this attribute may be understood as part of the refined character necessary for success in Torah study. However, one might also take it as part of the learning process; one who feels a responsibility to help others in their studies will learn a great deal in aiding them.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Pirkei Avot 6:5 teaches that Torah is acquired in 48 ways, which it lists for us. The thirty-ninth of the 48 is nosei b'ol im chaveiro, that one bear the burdens of others with them.
As we have said for other items in this list, this attribute may be understood as part of the refined character necessary for success in Torah study. However, one might also take it as part of the learning process; one who feels a responsibility to help others in their studies will learn a great deal in aiding them.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Sunday, May 19, 2013
48 Ways: #38 - Avoid issuing rulings
Hi,
Pirkei Avot 6:5 teaches that Torah is acquired in 48 ways, which it lists for us. The thirty-eighth of the 48 is lo sameach b'horaah, that one does not enjoy issuing halachic rulings.
One who takes pleasure from instructing others in proper practice runs the risk of glossing over the hard work needed to truly understand the debates which lie behind the law. The result is a superficial understanding which is not up to the task of taking apart new situations and figuring out what the issues are, and how they interact, and this will lead to incorrect rulings - but for the purpose of our mishnah, it will also lead to deficient Torah study.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Pirkei Avot 6:5 teaches that Torah is acquired in 48 ways, which it lists for us. The thirty-eighth of the 48 is lo sameach b'horaah, that one does not enjoy issuing halachic rulings.
One who takes pleasure from instructing others in proper practice runs the risk of glossing over the hard work needed to truly understand the debates which lie behind the law. The result is a superficial understanding which is not up to the task of taking apart new situations and figuring out what the issues are, and how they interact, and this will lead to incorrect rulings - but for the purpose of our mishnah, it will also lead to deficient Torah study.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Saturday, May 18, 2013
48 Ways: #37 - Don't become arrogant
Hi,
Pirkei Avot 6:5 teaches that Torah is acquired in 48 ways, which it lists for us. The thirty-seventh of the 48 is lo meigis libo b'talmudo, not to become arrogant due to one's learning.
Arrogance is generally considered a negative in Judaism, both as a personality trait and as an attitude which can cause harm. In the realm of Torah study, arrogance is harmful in that it can cause the student to think he has already understood a particular lesson, when he has not reached the truth. Also, arrogance may reduce one's readiness to listen to others' perspectives.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Pirkei Avot 6:5 teaches that Torah is acquired in 48 ways, which it lists for us. The thirty-seventh of the 48 is lo meigis libo b'talmudo, not to become arrogant due to one's learning.
Arrogance is generally considered a negative in Judaism, both as a personality trait and as an attitude which can cause harm. In the realm of Torah study, arrogance is harmful in that it can cause the student to think he has already understood a particular lesson, when he has not reached the truth. Also, arrogance may reduce one's readiness to listen to others' perspectives.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Thursday, May 16, 2013
48 Ways: #36 - Distance yourself from honour
Hi,
Pirkei Avot 6:5 teaches that Torah is acquired in 48 ways, which it lists for us. The thirty-sixth of the 48 is mitracheik min hakavod, to distance one's self from honour.
Certainly, one who is motivated by a search for honour will be vulnerable to mistakes in his learning as he looks for ways to find honour instead of making sure his learning is solid. Further, one who seeks honour will grow frustrated, for it will be difficult, if not impossible, to find sufficient honour to justify his efforts. Further, one who seeks honour through Torah actually cheapens the Torah he studies.
More, though: Beyond the trait of not seeking honour, one must actively avoid it in order to succeed in his studies, for one who allows himself to indulge in honours will find his time, energy and focus for Torah study reduced. Others may be obligated to honour him, but he is obligated to avoid accepting it (politely, of course).
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Pirkei Avot 6:5 teaches that Torah is acquired in 48 ways, which it lists for us. The thirty-sixth of the 48 is mitracheik min hakavod, to distance one's self from honour.
Certainly, one who is motivated by a search for honour will be vulnerable to mistakes in his learning as he looks for ways to find honour instead of making sure his learning is solid. Further, one who seeks honour will grow frustrated, for it will be difficult, if not impossible, to find sufficient honour to justify his efforts. Further, one who seeks honour through Torah actually cheapens the Torah he studies.
More, though: Beyond the trait of not seeking honour, one must actively avoid it in order to succeed in his studies, for one who allows himself to indulge in honours will find his time, energy and focus for Torah study reduced. Others may be obligated to honour him, but he is obligated to avoid accepting it (politely, of course).
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Monday, May 13, 2013
48 Ways: #35 - Love Rebuke
Hi,
Pirkei Avot 6:5 teaches that Torah is acquired in 48 ways, which it lists for us. The thirty-fifth of the 48 is oheiv et hatochachot, to love rebuke.
As we suggested for the previous two "ways", we may understand this as a statement that a refined personality is needed for success in Torah study. Therefore, one who embraces instruction will be better prepared for achievement.
Alternatively, we may suggest that one who is open to rebuke will also be open to having his mind changed about a particular approach to a text or an idea. Those whose minds are dominated by their first impressions are at a distinct disadvantage in the realm of serious scholarship.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Pirkei Avot 6:5 teaches that Torah is acquired in 48 ways, which it lists for us. The thirty-fifth of the 48 is oheiv et hatochachot, to love rebuke.
As we suggested for the previous two "ways", we may understand this as a statement that a refined personality is needed for success in Torah study. Therefore, one who embraces instruction will be better prepared for achievement.
Alternatively, we may suggest that one who is open to rebuke will also be open to having his mind changed about a particular approach to a text or an idea. Those whose minds are dominated by their first impressions are at a distinct disadvantage in the realm of serious scholarship.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
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