Rabban Gamliel Said: "Provide Yourself With A Master And Free Yourself Of Doubt. And Do Not Tithe By Estimation, Even If Giving In Excess Of The Required Amount."
This directive was mentioned previously in this chapter.
[51] Why is it necessary to repeat it?
The answer depends on the rationale - "and free yourself of doubt" - appended by Rabban Gamliel. After Hillel and Shammai died, their students perpetuated the differences in approach which had characterized their masters, causing the Talmudic academy to be split among the School of Shammai and the School of Hillel. In Rabban Gamliel's age, unanimity did not exist with regard to many questions of Torah law. Thus it was necessary for a person to find a Torah guide to direct him in areas where doubt might arise. This relates to Rabban Gamliel's second directive...
Because of doubt as to the precise requirements of his religious obligations, a person might decide to always act more stringently, as in the case of tithes when, instead of measuring exactly, he gives more than the necessary amount.
The mishnah emphasizes that this is not a proper approach. One should find a master who can instruct him with regard to the course of conduct which is particularly appropriate to his nature and character, and follow that master's directives, whether lenient or stringent.[52]
(Sichos Shabbos Parshas Shemini, 5747)
Notes:
- (Back to text) 1:6.
- (Back to text) See also the Midrash Shmuel, which explains that when a person has several teachers, their different perspectives may confuse him. But when he has a single teacher, he will have a straightforward path charted out for him.
Chapter One - Mishna 15