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Gemara: There was a case of a certain student who studied much [Mishna], read much (mikra = Tanach]), and spent much time in shimush talmidei chachamim ("serving" Torah scholars), yet he died at half of life expectancy.
Ein Ayah: The normal order of advancing in Torah study when one starts as a young child is Tanach, followed by Mishna, followed by Talmud, which is, in effect, shimush talmidei chachamim.
There are three areas in which one has to build himself through Torah study: 1) emotions of the heart, which listens and gravitates towards goodness, sanctity, and fear of Hashem; 2) practical knowledge, which enables bringing the good emotions to fruition by leading a Torah lifestyle; 3) development of the intellect in analysis of deep ideas, whether they be in practical matters that require analysis or in abstract philosophical matters.
If a young child does not start with mikra, there is no point to learn Mishna. He is unable to understand the practical system of living life according to the rules, for he is unaware of life’s details and complications, which require one to learn what to do in a disciplined manner. Only when one encounters "darkness" does he feel the need for the light of Hashem to guide him. A child, who is still naïve, cannot contemplate life’s complexity, as his enthusiastic worldview makes everything look like a well-lit plain full of truths. He is unprepared, before his intellect is more developed, to deal with many detailed rules that govern daily life.
A child is more prepared for emotions of sanctity, whose light his pure heart can absorb. That is why Tanach is most appropriate for him in the first stage. This awakens good emotions, such as a feeling of closeness to Hashem and a sense of His mercy, providence, and the love and concern for His creations, especially Israel, the nation closest to Him. The ethics taught by the prophets and the praises of Hashem that are found in Tanach awaken the natural holy emotions within man and lead him on a straight and holy path.
Later on, when the maturing person becomes more involved in life’s intricacies, he needs to be guided by specific rules, found in the study of Mishna. Finally, armed with a basis of both emotions and knowledge of what actions he needs to take, he is prepared to develop an analytical intellect.
If one embarks upon the study of Torah as an adult who already feels the "yoke of life," it behooves him to begin with practical matters before he tries to enhance the splendor of a proper emotional approach. At this point, challenges of life may make it difficult to achieve the feelings espoused by the Torah and the Prophets. Therefore, a later learner should switch the natural order of a child and begin with Mishna before mikra. That is why the gemara stressed that the student did a lot of Mishna, and then a lot of mikra, and then a lot of shimush talmidei chachamim.
Shimush talmidei chachamim is a well-known name for the analytical elements of Torah study. This teaches us that included in these high-level studies are matters that cannot be transmitted by word of mouth, for they are beyond language. This applies to areas that touch on the highest levels of contemplating godliness and also to matters of ethics that emanate from the depths of the soul. In these cases, when one spends time observing talmidei chachamim, seeing physical actions conveys the sense of how their hearts work. This enables him to understand the analytical part that cannot be expressed through words of the mouth or the pen. Rather, it is engraved on the understanding heart of the wise and enables the perceiver to "cling to Hashem" by clinging to talmidei chachamim (see Devarim 30:20 and Sifrei to Devarim 11:22). In these cases, words are limited, and the essence of the holy lifestyle is found in the life of the scholars. The means of arriving at that deep understanding is by spending time with them.
Various Rabbis
Various Rabbis including those of of Yeshivat Bet El, such as Rabbi Chaim Katz, Rabbi Binyamin Bamberger and Rabbi Yitzchak Greenblat and others.
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: A Crown and its Scepter – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 294-5
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
