Rabbi Chanina Ben Chachina'i Said: "When A Person Is Awake At Night Or Travels Alone On The Road, And Turns His Heart To Idleness, He Is Liable To Lose His Life."

Rabbi Chanina Ben Chachina'i Said: "When A Person... Travels Alone On The Road, And Turns His Heart To Idleness"

A person who travels alone, in contrast to one who travels with others, must pay attention to the road, lest he become lost or endanger himself. Therefore, there is reason to think that he should minimize the attention he pays to Torah study.[18] Nevertheless, Rabbi Chanina teaches that pious conduct - the approach taught by Pirkei Avos - requires that a person devote himself to the study of Torah even in such a situation. Indeed, the merit of Torah study will ward off danger.[19]

This teaching shares a connection to Rabbi Chanina's path of divine service, for he was totally devoted to the study of the Torah; "The Torah was his occupation,"[20] his sole concern in life.

(Sichos Shabbos Parshas Vaes'chanan, 5751)

   

Notes:

18. (Back to text) See Taanis 10b.

19. (Back to text) See the commentary of R. Ovadiah of Bartenura.

20. (Back to text) See Vayikra Rabbah 21:3, which establishes a connection between Rabbi Chanina and Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. See also Kesubos 62b.