Day 1: תלמוד - Talmud / Learning or Study
This project is meta on many levels. We will be studying a mishnah, which is itself about studying, so that we can be worthy of the Torah, which we are to study.
Study/learning is a perfect starting point for our journey.
There is something practical about this one, because a commitment to learning is a definitional prerequisite to acquiring Torah, because we encounter the Torah as learners. But there is something much deeper by placing learning as the first brick on the path we are paving towards Torah.
The pursuit of knowledge reflects an intrinsic sense of curiosity, a thirst for wisdom, and a fundamental orientation towards self-improvement. A true seeker/learner refuses complacency and shuns self-indulgence.
Jewish tradition holds learning as its crowned value. The Talmud offers a list of tremendous mitzvot whose performance improves our world now, but whose ultimate reward comes in the World to Come. Finishing off the list, the text closes, ותלמוד תורה כנגד כולם / "but Talmud Torah is equal to them all" (Shabbat 127a).
Reflection:
What does "Torah" even mean to you? In this project building up towards "acquiring the Torah," what are you seeking?
In what ways are you seeking learning in your life?
Lived practice:
In Pirkei Avot, Ben Zoma says, "Who is wise? One who learns from everyone" (Pirkei Avot 4:1). Today, identify those in your life who have wisdom to offer. It might be a grandparent or a young child; a mentor, or a stranger. Seek this learning out - reach out to those people, look up Ted Talks, do whatever it takes! But also, simply identify the opportunities for learning already embedded in your life, and really appreciate the wisdom constantly surrounding you.
This project is meta on many levels. We will be studying a mishnah, which is itself about studying, so that we can be worthy of the Torah, which we are to study.
Study/learning is a perfect starting point for our journey.
There is something practical about this one, because a commitment to learning is a definitional prerequisite to acquiring Torah, because we encounter the Torah as learners. But there is something much deeper by placing learning as the first brick on the path we are paving towards Torah.
The pursuit of knowledge reflects an intrinsic sense of curiosity, a thirst for wisdom, and a fundamental orientation towards self-improvement. A true seeker/learner refuses complacency and shuns self-indulgence.
Jewish tradition holds learning as its crowned value. The Talmud offers a list of tremendous mitzvot whose performance improves our world now, but whose ultimate reward comes in the World to Come. Finishing off the list, the text closes, ותלמוד תורה כנגד כולם / "but Talmud Torah is equal to them all" (Shabbat 127a).
Reflection:
What does "Torah" even mean to you? In this project building up towards "acquiring the Torah," what are you seeking?
In what ways are you seeking learning in your life?
Lived practice:
In Pirkei Avot, Ben Zoma says, "Who is wise? One who learns from everyone" (Pirkei Avot 4:1). Today, identify those in your life who have wisdom to offer. It might be a grandparent or a young child; a mentor, or a stranger. Seek this learning out - reach out to those people, look up Ted Talks, do whatever it takes! But also, simply identify the opportunities for learning already embedded in your life, and really appreciate the wisdom constantly surrounding you.
