Joodse traditie als permanent leren

176.

always occupy himself with the Torah, whether for its own sake or for other reasons. For study of the Torah, even when pursued from interested motives, will lead to study for its own sake. " ((3. 1-5))

((Learning Before Riches)) He whose heart prompts him to fulfill this duty properly, and to be crowned with the crown of the Torah, must not allow his mind to be diverted to other objects. He must not aim at acquiring Torah as well as riches and honour at the same time. "This is the way for the study of the Torah. A morsel of bread with salt thou must eat, and water by measure thou must drink; thou must sleep upon the ground and live a life of hardship, the while thou toilest in the Torah" (Ethics of the Fathers 6:4). "It is not incumbent upon thee to complete the task; but neither art thou free to neglect it" (ibid. 2 :2l). "And if thou hast studied much Torah, thou hast earned much reward. The recompense will be proportionate to the pains" (ibid. 5:26) (The numbering of the paragraphs in the Ethics of the Fathers in the editions of the Mishna and in the editions of the liturgy does not always correspond).

Possibly you may say: When I shall have accumulated money, I shall resume my studies; when I shall have provided for my needs and have leisure from my affairs, I shall resume my studies. Should such a thought enter your mind, you will never win the crown of the Torah. "Rather make the study of the Torah your fixed occupation" (ibid. 1:15) and let your secular affairs engage you casually, and do not say: "When I shall have leisure, I shall study; perhaps you may never have leisure" (ibid. 2:5).

In the Torah it is written, "It is not in heaven . . . neither is it beyond the sea" (Deut. 30:12-13). "It is not in heaven, " this means that the Torah is not to be found with the arrogant: "nor beyond the seas," that is, it is not found among those who cross the ocean. Hence, our sages said, "Nor can one who is engaged overmuch in business grow wise" (Ethics of the Fathers 2:6). They have also exhorted us: "Engage little in business and occupy thyself with the Torah" (ibid. 4:12). ((3.6-8))

((Study R equires Humility and the Simple Life)) The words of the Torah have been compared to water, as it is said,