48 Ways: #51 - Citing one's source

Hi,

Pirkei Avot 6:5 teaches that Torah is acquired in 48 ways, which it lists for us. The fifty-first (and last) of the 48 is omeir davar b'shem omro, citing the source for one's statements.

Clearly, this is an important practice in scholarship. Also, as noted in Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh Deah 242:24), people are likely to assume that the lessons one relates are from one's rebbe; therefore, one who says something which is not from his rebbe is obligated to mention the source.

Further, though, ensuring proper attribution will improve one's own studies. One who keeps track of what he learns and where he learns it will have a much clearer comprehension of the chain of ideas and debates.

Have a great day,
Mordechai