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RECOMMENDED READING

THE PINNACLE OF TORAH STUDY

By Rabbi Avishai Magence

n tractate Rosh Hashana, the mountain to clearly survey an immense method. When one studies Torah in
tractate which discusses Tu Bishvat area below in all directions. this manner, i.e., by referencing worldly
Iamong other Rashei Shanim knowledge and encounters, as is clearly
(annual beginnings), we find the source It is clear the sages meant to convey the intent of the sages as illustrated
for a relatively well know phrase, benei this idea to people who can themselves above, one will surely be influenced in
maron, which is used in prayer during have this unique experience and gain the opposite direction, namely have the
the high holidays: the feeling of awe that comes with it Torah impact their lives.
(Reish Lakish, who is the one quoted
“On Rosh HaShana all creatures pass A few weeks after the historic Siyum
before Him like benei maron.” (RH 16A) HaShas events which attracted
thousands of people around the globe,
The Talmud on Daf 18A discusses this
phrase: we see a growing interest in studying
Talmud. It is clear from the pages that
The Gemara asks: What is the meaning the Sages reference abundant aspects
of the phrase benei maron? The of life, making references to science,
Gemara answers: geography and even the practices of the
ancient Near Eastern civilizations that
1) Here in Babylonia they surrounded them. In The Noé Edition
interpreted it to mean: Like a flock of Koren Talmud Bavli, we see how much
sheep [kivnei imarna]. Rabbi Steinsaltz’s broad scholarship
here, in fact lived in Tiberias which
2) Reish Lakish disagreed and is about 15 miles away from Mount helps us understand the words of the
said: Like the ascent of Beit Maron, Meron.) One in turn will be able to Sages and like we see in the sugya
which was very steep; one standing at sense the awe of Rosh Hashana, the above, enhances our appreciation of the
the summit could discern all those day when God surveys all creatures at natural world around us.
climbing the mountain with a single once as if standing at the top of Mount
look.
Meron. This practical experience was
3) Rav Yehuda said that Shmuel not possible for most Jews for nearly
said another opinion: Like the soldiers two thousand years, but we now live in
of the house of King David, who could a time in which we can go back to our
be surveyed with a single glance. roots and recreate the way the rabbis
intended for us to study Torah.
In the classic style of learning it would
be enough to understand the simple Another tool which we have available
meaning of the Talmud’s words and to us today which can enhance our
move on. However, with the access we learning is the use of full color images. No other edition of Talmud honors the
now have to all areas of Eretz Yisrael For those who have not yet been able centrality of Eretz Yisrael like The Noé
there is a deeper level we can reach. to visit the site and for those who have Edition Koren Talmud Bavli. Learn a
and would like a reminder, a panoramic page and experience the difference.
With regard to the interpretation view of Mount Meron is displayed
offered by Reish Lakish above, Rabbi depicting the steep ascent and the Rabbi Avishai Magence is Senior Project
Steinsaltz teaches us that Beit Maron, planes below. Manager at Koren Publishers and served as
image curator on The Koren Talmud Bavli.
the version of the text which we have,
is referring to Mount Meron. Anyone This is but one example of how we
who has visited the site knows it is can combine real life experiences SPECIAL FOR MIZRACHI READERS:
a very tall mountain with a steep with the study of Torah in order to Visit www.korenpub.com and get
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ascent, surrounded by vast planes. achieve a synergistic effect. It is not a Koren Publishers. Use promo code
The combination of these two aspects new way of learning; it is a significant MIZRACHI. Offer valid in the US,
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