Rabbi Nehora'ey Said: "Exile Yourself To A Place Of Torah, And Do Not Assume That It Will Come After You, For It Is Your Colleagues Who [Through Discussion And Deliberation] Will Cause It To Be Clearly Established In Your Grasp; And Do Not Rely On Your Own Understanding."[40]
This phrase is an explicit quotation from the
Tanach. Why does Rabbi Nehora'ey include it in his directive without mentioning his source? Also, why is this instruction quoted in
Pirkei Avos, which teaches pious conduct beyond the measure of the law?
These questions can be answered as follows: In its source, the verse "do not rely on your own understanding" is interpreted[41] as a charge to seek out a teacher rather than remaining content with one's own capacity for comprehension. In our mishnah, by contrast, it comes as the final clause. After a person has exiled himself to a place of Torah, and through discussion with his colleagues has brought Torah wisdom within his grasp, he is capable of responding to situations independently. Nevertheless, he should humbly realize the value of consulting with others instead of relying solely on his own knowledge.[42]
Herein we also see a connection to the author of the mishnah, Rabbi Nehora'ey. Nehor is Aramaic for "light." Rabbi Nehora'ey was given that name because he "illumined the eyes of the wise in the study of Torah law."[43] But despite his high level of understanding, he taught the virtue of taking counsel with others.
(Sichos Shabbos Parshas Behar, 5733)
Notes:
- (Back to text) Mishlei 3:5.
- (Back to text) See Rashi's commentary.
- (Back to text) See the commentary of Rabbeinu Yonah.
- (Back to text) Eruvin 13b.
Chapter Four - Mishna 13