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
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How does this not subsume ways numbers 15 through 20? If the beraisa wants to include a general "set boundaries" then why also separately tell us to limit our sleep, chatter, business, laughter, enjoyment / comfort, and derekh eretz?
ReplyDeleteR' Micha-
ReplyDeletePerhaps setting boundaries may refer to taking practical steps to safeguard the midos listed in #15-20?