Today for our Morning Blessings session, we will focus on Eilu Devarim, "These are the things." Specifically, I want to focus on the line that encourages us to arrive early for study, morning and evening.
Eilu Devarim was included in the morning liturgy starting with Rav Amram at around the year 685. Early on, there were different versions of this prayer. Some would speak only about sacrificial practices (Peah 1:1) and others would add the priestly benediction or other Talmudic materials. The present custom in most communities is to read two passages as part of Eilu Devarim, one from Mishnah Peah 1:1 and one from Talmud Shabbat 127b. In Reform liturgy, the specifics of Peah 1:1, which refer to sacrificial practices, were dropped and the two sections of rabbinic material were conflated. They both speak of the importance of Torah study.
"Arriving early for study, morning and evening"
The Rabbis understood this to convey enthusiasm and earnestness. It is not sufficient to merely attend; one's full attention is required.
- Rabbi Yoel Kahn, Temple Beth El in Berkeley
Kiddushin 40b
Rabbi Tarfon and the Elders were reclining in the loft of the house of Nit’za in Lod, when this question was asked of them: Is study greater or is action greater? Rabbi Tarfon answered and said: Action is greater. Rabbi Akiva answered and said: Study is greater. Everyone answered and said: Study is greater, but not as an independent value; rather, it is greater as study leads to action.
Why do you choose to be active learners in the PTS community?
How does your choice to learn make you a better person? Does your learning encourage you to make a difference in the world around you?