4 Shvat: Study or Practice

STUDY OR PRACTICE Is study greater or is action greater? Rabbi Tarfun said action is greater. Rabbi Akiva said study is greater. The elders concluded study is greater because it leads to action. (Talmud, Kiddushin 40b) It is impossible to do anything properly without study and training. On the other hand, no amount of training replaces actual experience, which brings much richer understanding. Furthermore, only action brings results. Exile is training. Until we master our lessons, we lack the understanding and sensitivity to fully appreciate a G-dly experience. Once we acquire this maturity, however, our emphasis will turn to action. Therefore, when Moshiach comes, action will be greater that study. In the final seconds of exile, everything we learn must bring practical results. Through this approach, we will soon merit the time when “no longer will a man teach his fellow..saying, ‘Come and know G-d,’ because they will all know Me.” (Yirmiya 31:33) Ramban Eikev 11:18 Kidushin 40b Sichos Kodesh 19th Kislev 5722 Seif 24