Hi,
Pirkei Avot 6:5 teaches that Torah is acquired in 48 ways,
which it lists for us. The forty-ninth of the 48 is machkim et rabbo,making one's rebbe [mentor] wiser.
As we have already said, one must ask questions while learning, and doing so will increase not only the student's understanding, but also that of the mentor. This also leads to an indirect benefit for the student; as Rabbeinu Bechayye notes, the mentor will know be able to teach more, and in better ways.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
48 Ways: #48 - Learn in order to practice
Hi,
Pirkei Avot 6:5 teaches that Torah is acquired in 48 ways, which it lists for us. The forty-eighth of the 48 is lomeid al menat la'asot, learning for the sake of practicing.
One who learns Torah in the abstract is not necessarily careful to fully digest the material; contemplating implementation compels us to consider what we are learning far more carefully, and with an eye toward understanding how it relates to specific situations. Rabbeinu Bechayye compares this to studying medicine - one who is simply interested in the topic will not care about misunderstandings, but one who intends to practice will be far more diligent.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Pirkei Avot 6:5 teaches that Torah is acquired in 48 ways, which it lists for us. The forty-eighth of the 48 is lomeid al menat la'asot, learning for the sake of practicing.
One who learns Torah in the abstract is not necessarily careful to fully digest the material; contemplating implementation compels us to consider what we are learning far more carefully, and with an eye toward understanding how it relates to specific situations. Rabbeinu Bechayye compares this to studying medicine - one who is simply interested in the topic will not care about misunderstandings, but one who intends to practice will be far more diligent.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
48 Ways: #47 - Learning for the sake of teaching
Hi,
Pirkei Avot 6:5 teaches that Torah is acquired in 48 ways,
which it lists for us. The forty-seventh of the 48 is lomeid al menat
l'lamed, learning for the sake of teaching.
Certainly, it has been my experience that I learn with greater
depth and clarity when I am preparing material to teach it to others. Further,
one who learns in order to teach is forced to consider questions he might
otherwise have dismissed as trivial or irrelevant, since the students will want
answers. Therefore, learning for the sake of teaching will make one a better student.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Monday, May 27, 2013
48 Ways: #46 - Listening and growing
Hi,
Pirkei Avot 6:5 teaches that Torah is acquired in 48 ways, which it lists for us. The forty-sixth of the 48 is shomeia umosif, that one listens and grows in his knowledge.
We have already said (Way #44) that one must ask questions, but one must also listen for the answers, and then grow from them. In truth, one could even break this "way" into two steps - to listen for the answers, and then to build on them. Either way, the point is the same: That one must be prepared to listen, to incorporate new ideas into his own thinking, and then to evolve with those new ideas.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Pirkei Avot 6:5 teaches that Torah is acquired in 48 ways, which it lists for us. The forty-sixth of the 48 is shomeia umosif, that one listens and grows in his knowledge.
We have already said (Way #44) that one must ask questions, but one must also listen for the answers, and then grow from them. In truth, one could even break this "way" into two steps - to listen for the answers, and then to build on them. Either way, the point is the same: That one must be prepared to listen, to incorporate new ideas into his own thinking, and then to evolve with those new ideas.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Sunday, May 26, 2013
48 Ways: #45 - Answering
Hi,
Pirkei Avot 6:5 teaches that Torah is acquired in 48 ways, which it lists for us. The forty-fifth of the 48 is meishiv, that one responds to questions.
Answering questions is a critical part of the learning process. It is possible to study and raise questions and then not answer them, instead moving on to the next topic. Such learning is sometimes euphemistically termed bekius, but the term shitchi (superficial) is generally more appropriate. Approaching our questions, and those of others, as serious and worthy of analysis is an important step in growing in our studies.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Pirkei Avot 6:5 teaches that Torah is acquired in 48 ways, which it lists for us. The forty-fifth of the 48 is meishiv, that one responds to questions.
Answering questions is a critical part of the learning process. It is possible to study and raise questions and then not answer them, instead moving on to the next topic. Such learning is sometimes euphemistically termed bekius, but the term shitchi (superficial) is generally more appropriate. Approaching our questions, and those of others, as serious and worthy of analysis is an important step in growing in our studies.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Saturday, May 25, 2013
48 Ways: #44 - Asking
Hi,
Pirkei Avot 6:5 teaches that Torah is acquired in 48 ways, which it lists for us. The forty-fourth of the 48 is shoeil, asking.
Asking questions, of course, is a fundamental part of the learning process - and yet, it is easily overlooked. Often, due to lack of time, lack of someone to consult easily, lack of comfort in exposing or ignorance or lack of interest, we accept our insufficient understanding rather than inquire. If our goal is to understand poorly, then we have achieved our goal. But if our goal is to learn, then we defeat ourselves.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Pirkei Avot 6:5 teaches that Torah is acquired in 48 ways, which it lists for us. The forty-fourth of the 48 is shoeil, asking.
Asking questions, of course, is a fundamental part of the learning process - and yet, it is easily overlooked. Often, due to lack of time, lack of someone to consult easily, lack of comfort in exposing or ignorance or lack of interest, we accept our insufficient understanding rather than inquire. If our goal is to understand poorly, then we have achieved our goal. But if our goal is to learn, then we defeat ourselves.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Thursday, May 23, 2013
48 Ways: #43 - A settled mind
Hi,
Pirkei Avot 6:5 teaches that Torah is acquired in 48 ways, which it lists for us. The forty-third of the 48 is mityasheiv libo b'talmudo, that one learns with a settled mind.
Energy is necessary for success in most endeavours, but one who is restless will not focus on his studies for the extended period of time they may need. Rushing through a topic is an efficient way to guarantee misunderstanding. We need to approach Torah with a settled mind, prepared to carefully analyze it, in order to get it right.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Pirkei Avot 6:5 teaches that Torah is acquired in 48 ways, which it lists for us. The forty-third of the 48 is mityasheiv libo b'talmudo, that one learns with a settled mind.
Energy is necessary for success in most endeavours, but one who is restless will not focus on his studies for the extended period of time they may need. Rushing through a topic is an efficient way to guarantee misunderstanding. We need to approach Torah with a settled mind, prepared to carefully analyze it, in order to get it right.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
48 Ways: #41 and #42 - Encourage others to pursue truth and peace
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
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
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
Sunday, May 12, 2013
48 Ways: #34 - Love Justice
Hi,
Pirkei Avot 6:5 teaches that Torah is acquired in 48 ways, which it lists for us. The thirty-fourth of the 48 is oheiv et hameisharim, to love justice.
As we said for yesterday's "way", the relationship between love of justice an success in Torah study may be understood along at least two lines:
1. We may suggest that one needs a love of justice in order to comprehend the justice-rooted laws and anecdotes of the Torah, and
2. We may suggest that one needs a refined personality - one which loves justice, for example - to achieve success in 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-fourth of the 48 is oheiv et hameisharim, to love justice.
As we said for yesterday's "way", the relationship between love of justice an success in Torah study may be understood along at least two lines:
1. We may suggest that one needs a love of justice in order to comprehend the justice-rooted laws and anecdotes of the Torah, and
2. We may suggest that one needs a refined personality - one which loves justice, for example - to achieve success in Torah study.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Saturday, May 11, 2013
48 Ways: #33 - Love generosity
Hi,
Pirkei Avot 6:5 teaches that Torah is acquired in 48 ways, which it lists for us. The thirty-third of the 48 is oheiv et hatzedakot, to love generosity. [One might also translate this as "to love righteousness", but I don't think that works here, based on the next of the 48.]
The previous "way" was that one must love others, and we suggested that a misanthrope will not understand, or relate to, the many mitzvot and lessons of social interaction offered in Torah. Along the same lines, perhaps one needs to love generosity in order to succeed in Torah, because without this appreciation for generosity one cannot develop comprehension of the lessons of Divine generosity in the Torah.
Alternatively, one might suggest a simpler read: That a Jew must refine his spiritual personality, including his generosity, in order to become a better student of Torah.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Pirkei Avot 6:5 teaches that Torah is acquired in 48 ways, which it lists for us. The thirty-third of the 48 is oheiv et hatzedakot, to love generosity. [One might also translate this as "to love righteousness", but I don't think that works here, based on the next of the 48.]
The previous "way" was that one must love others, and we suggested that a misanthrope will not understand, or relate to, the many mitzvot and lessons of social interaction offered in Torah. Along the same lines, perhaps one needs to love generosity in order to succeed in Torah, because without this appreciation for generosity one cannot develop comprehension of the lessons of Divine generosity in the Torah.
Alternatively, one might suggest a simpler read: That a Jew must refine his spiritual personality, including his generosity, in order to become a better student of Torah.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Thursday, May 9, 2013
48 Ways: #32 - Love others
Hi,
Pirkei Avot 6:5 teaches that Torah is acquired in 48 ways, which it lists for us. The thirty-second of the 48 is oheiv et habriyyot, to love others.
This item seems odd; why should love of others be a pre-requisite for success in Torah study? One could suggest that the student needs relationships with chavrutot, teachers and students in order to grow, but it is hard to include that within "love".
Perhaps the idea is that one who loves others will approach Torah in a special way, with a greater appreciation of its emphasis upon the needs of, and interactions of, humanity. One might imagine a misanthrope failing to understand, or relate to, the many mitzvot of social interaction, as well as the lives depicted in Tanach, and the anecdotes recorded biblically and rabbinically to teach us lessons. Only one who loves others, who is capable of embracing and seeking the welfare of other human beings will truly comprehend what is involved.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Pirkei Avot 6:5 teaches that Torah is acquired in 48 ways, which it lists for us. The thirty-second of the 48 is oheiv et habriyyot, to love others.
This item seems odd; why should love of others be a pre-requisite for success in Torah study? One could suggest that the student needs relationships with chavrutot, teachers and students in order to grow, but it is hard to include that within "love".
Perhaps the idea is that one who loves others will approach Torah in a special way, with a greater appreciation of its emphasis upon the needs of, and interactions of, humanity. One might imagine a misanthrope failing to understand, or relate to, the many mitzvot of social interaction, as well as the lives depicted in Tanach, and the anecdotes recorded biblically and rabbinically to teach us lessons. Only one who loves others, who is capable of embracing and seeking the welfare of other human beings will truly comprehend what is involved.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
48 Ways: #31 - Love Gd
Hi,
Pirkei Avot 6:5 teaches that Torah is acquired in 48 ways, which it lists for us. The thirty-first of the 48 is oheiv et haMakom, to love Gd.
As we said for ahuv in the previous post, loving Gd is a term used at the start of the sixth chapter of Pirkei Avot, describing one who studies Torah for the pure purpose of satisfying Gd's expectations. Love is a force which causes us to surpass expectations; one who is in love does not ask, "What is the minimum you need," but instead seeks creative ways to find favour in the eyes of his beloved. This sort of approach - what can I do now for Gd - will lead to success in 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-first of the 48 is oheiv et haMakom, to love Gd.
As we said for ahuv in the previous post, loving Gd is a term used at the start of the sixth chapter of Pirkei Avot, describing one who studies Torah for the pure purpose of satisfying Gd's expectations. Love is a force which causes us to surpass expectations; one who is in love does not ask, "What is the minimum you need," but instead seeks creative ways to find favour in the eyes of his beloved. This sort of approach - what can I do now for Gd - will lead to success in Torah study.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
48 Ways: #30 - Beloved
Hi,
Pirkei Avot 6:5 teaches that Torah is acquired in 48 ways, which it lists for us. The thirtieth of the 48 is to be ahuv, beloved.
One might expect that being "beloved" would relate to our involvement with other people, but R' Eliezer Levi, in his commentary to Pirkei Avot, points the reader to the first lesson in the sixth chapter of Pirkei Avot. There, we are told that one who studies Torah for the pure purpose of satisfying Gd's expectations is "beloved" to G-d.
In order to succeed in Torah, one must act as one who is beloved to Gd, studying for the pure purpose of satisfying Gd's expectations. Our intent will affect our practical results.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Pirkei Avot 6:5 teaches that Torah is acquired in 48 ways, which it lists for us. The thirtieth of the 48 is to be ahuv, beloved.
One might expect that being "beloved" would relate to our involvement with other people, but R' Eliezer Levi, in his commentary to Pirkei Avot, points the reader to the first lesson in the sixth chapter of Pirkei Avot. There, we are told that one who studies Torah for the pure purpose of satisfying Gd's expectations is "beloved" to G-d.
In order to succeed in Torah, one must act as one who is beloved to Gd, studying for the pure purpose of satisfying Gd's expectations. Our intent will affect our practical results.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Monday, May 6, 2013
48 Ways: #29 - Not anticipating reward
Hi,
Pirkei Avot 6:5 teaches that Torah is acquired in 48 ways, which it lists for us. The twenty-ninth of the 48 is eino machazik tovah l'atzmo, not expecting reward for one's self.
It is natural for us to anticipate reward for good behavior; the Torah indeed promises it! However, on a practical level, one who works with a mindset of "I will be paid for this" is vulnerable to doubt and weakness when he does not perceive the reward.
Further, on a spiritual level, approaching the Divine message with reward in mind would cheapen the nature of our bond with our Creator. One who buys flowers or a gift for his/her spouse with reward in mind is hardly doing so selflessly, for the sake of the spouse. Instead, it is a selfish deed, performed with one's own gratification in mind. Thus damage is done not only to the effectiveness of, but also to the meaning of, the 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 twenty-ninth of the 48 is eino machazik tovah l'atzmo, not expecting reward for one's self.
It is natural for us to anticipate reward for good behavior; the Torah indeed promises it! However, on a practical level, one who works with a mindset of "I will be paid for this" is vulnerable to doubt and weakness when he does not perceive the reward.
Further, on a spiritual level, approaching the Divine message with reward in mind would cheapen the nature of our bond with our Creator. One who buys flowers or a gift for his/her spouse with reward in mind is hardly doing so selflessly, for the sake of the spouse. Instead, it is a selfish deed, performed with one's own gratification in mind. Thus damage is done not only to the effectiveness of, but also to the meaning of, the Torah study.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Sunday, May 5, 2013
48 Ways: #28 - Set boundaries
Hi,
Pirkei Avot 6:5 teaches that Torah is acquired in 48 ways, which it lists for us. The twenty-eighth of the 48 is oseh syag l'dvarav, setting boundaries in one's activities.
Success in Torah study requires that we keep ourselves focussed on activities which are productive; many other pursuits, while worthwhile, will distract us along the way. In order to ensure that we achieve our goals, we need to set boundaries for ourselves, such as in limiting the time and effort we put into pursuit of leisure or economic success.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Pirkei Avot 6:5 teaches that Torah is acquired in 48 ways, which it lists for us. The twenty-eighth of the 48 is oseh syag l'dvarav, setting boundaries in one's activities.
Success in Torah study requires that we keep ourselves focussed on activities which are productive; many other pursuits, while worthwhile, will distract us along the way. In order to ensure that we achieve our goals, we need to set boundaries for ourselves, such as in limiting the time and effort we put into pursuit of leisure or economic success.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Saturday, May 4, 2013
48 Ways: #27 - Be happy with your lot
Hi,
Pirkei Avot 6:5 teaches that Torah is acquired in 48 ways, which it lists for us. The twenty-seventh of the 48 is hasameach b'chelko, being happy with one's lot.
We have already said (#25) that success in Torah requires that one accept personal suffering, and not be distracted by it. Being "happy with one's lot" demands even more, that one find happiness in his state, whatever it is, so that he will not be distracted by yearnings for that which he lacks.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Pirkei Avot 6:5 teaches that Torah is acquired in 48 ways, which it lists for us. The twenty-seventh of the 48 is hasameach b'chelko, being happy with one's lot.
We have already said (#25) that success in Torah requires that one accept personal suffering, and not be distracted by it. Being "happy with one's lot" demands even more, that one find happiness in his state, whatever it is, so that he will not be distracted by yearnings for that which he lacks.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Thursday, May 2, 2013
48 Ways: #26 - Know your place
Hi,
Pirkei Avot 6:5 teaches that Torah is acquired in 48 ways, which it lists for us. The twenty-sixth of the 48 is hamakir et mekomo,knowing one's place.
Knowing one's place, to my mind, involves two elements: Not overestimating one's self, and Not underestimating one's self. Obviously, one who thinks he knows more than he does is apt to take the words of others less seriously. Further, though, one who does not recognize his own standing will fail to live up to his potential.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Pirkei Avot 6:5 teaches that Torah is acquired in 48 ways, which it lists for us. The twenty-sixth of the 48 is hamakir et mekomo,knowing one's place.
Knowing one's place, to my mind, involves two elements: Not overestimating one's self, and Not underestimating one's self. Obviously, one who thinks he knows more than he does is apt to take the words of others less seriously. Further, though, one who does not recognize his own standing will fail to live up to his potential.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
48 Ways: #25 - Acceptance of personal suffering
Hi,
Pirkei Avot 6:5 teaches that Torah is acquired in 48 ways, which it lists for us. The twenty-fifth of the 48 is kabbalat hayisurin, acceptance of one's personal suffering.
We have already said that one who would succeed in Torah study should minimize his pursuit of pleasure, but kabbalat hayisurin adds the element of kabbalah, acceptance. One who suffers hardship but rails against it will be distracted, in greater or lesser measure, by his rejection of his state and his battle against it. To succeed in Torah study, one must be able to accept his state and shift his focus to his learning.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Pirkei Avot 6:5 teaches that Torah is acquired in 48 ways, which it lists for us. The twenty-fifth of the 48 is kabbalat hayisurin, acceptance of one's personal suffering.
We have already said that one who would succeed in Torah study should minimize his pursuit of pleasure, but kabbalat hayisurin adds the element of kabbalah, acceptance. One who suffers hardship but rails against it will be distracted, in greater or lesser measure, by his rejection of his state and his battle against it. To succeed in Torah study, one must be able to accept his state and shift his focus to his learning.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
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