Commentary for Avodah Zarah 37:6

לוי ור"ש ברבי יתבי קמיה דרבי וקא פסקי סידרא סליק ספרא לוי אמר לייתו [לן] משלי ר"ש ברבי אמר לייתו [לן] תילים כפייה ללוי ואייתו תילים כי מטו הכא כי אם בתורת ה' חפצו פריש רבי ואמר אין אדם לומד תורה אלא ממקום שלבו חפץ אמר לוי רבי נתת לנו רשות לעמוד

Levi and R. Shimon the son of Rabbi were once sitting before Rabbi learning verses. When the book was concluded, Levi said: Let the book of Proverbs now be brought in. R. Shimon the son of Rabbi however said: Let the book Psalms be brought. They forced Levi and the book of Psalms was brought. When they came to this verse, “But whose desire is in the Torah of the Lord,” Rabbi said: One can learn Torah only in a place which his heart desires Whereupon Levi remarked: Rabbi, You have given me the right to rise.

Daf Shevui to Avodah Zarah

This is a fascinating story on many levels. First of all, it provides a glimpse into how the sages studied Bible, at least on occasion. It seems that they finished one book before opening another. Moreover, they studied from physical books and not memory. Second, we can see the power relationship between Levi and Rabbi’s family. Levi seems to be forced to sit there, until he can justify leaving. Third, it is an ironic statement coming after Rabbi’s beautiful derashah. Rabbi, perhaps unwittingly, but perhaps not, has created a situation where one of the top sages in his own Bet Midrash no longer wants to learn Torah there.

Ask RabbiBookmarkShareCopy

Previous Verse Full Chapter Next Verse