Having begun with our relationship to our teachers, we shift today to thinking about our peers and colleagues. Pirkei Avot itself introduces that shift, teaching, "Joshua ben Perahiah used to say: 'Make for yourself a teacher, and acquire for yourself a friend'" (Pirkei Avot 1:6). Our Kinyan Torah Project is about the sacred journey towards acquiring Torah, and here we are invited into the sacred and perhaps more familiar path towards acquiring friendship.
Whereas a vertical hierarchy exists between teacher and student, friends/colleagues meet in mutual, reciprocal partnership. Judaism understands that there are secret pearls of wisdom hidden everywhere that are only accessed with a partner.
Reflection:
Who are the people in your life who make you feel like your best self? In what ways do they challenge you?
Lived practice
Think of the relationships in your life that have rapport and trust built up. Bring your whole self to those relationships. Challenge them. You have the power to help shape them. Listen to them. They have so much to teach you. Together, you have a lot to learn.
