48 Ways: #7 - Fear

Hi,

Pirkei Avot 6:5 teaches that Torah is acquired in 48 ways, which it lists for us. The seventh of the 48 is yirah, fear.

"Fear" is a strong word, of course, but it fits here. One who would succeed in Torah must feel that getting its lessons right, understanding the true intent of the Torah, is of primary importance. A student who is not bothered by the possibility of misunderstanding the Torah, who conjures up explanations and ideas without making sure they are consistent with the Torah's teachings, cannot lay claim to expertise in Torah.

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Hillel's advice

Hi,

"Hillel used to teach: One who is ignorant cannot be truly afraid of sinning, and one who is not learned cannot be pious.

"One who is easily embarrassed will not learn, and one who is too exacting will not teach, and one who is too involved in business will not become wise.

"Where there are no 'men,' work at being a 'man.'"

(Pirkei Avot 2:6)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Piety trumps Torah knowledge

Hi,

"R' Shimon and R' Elazar were sitting together, when R' Yaakov bar Acha approached.

"R' Elazar said to R' Shimon, 'Let us rise before him, for he is someone who piously fears sinning.

"R' Shimon replied, 'Let us rise before him, for he is a man of Torah.'

"R' Elazar said back, 'I told you he is someone who fears sinning, and you reply that he is [merely] a man of Torah?!"

(Talmud, Shabbat 31b)

Have a great day,
Mordechai