152 Torah Book & Portion, Book of Genesis, Bereishit (Genesis 1:1-6:8), Source Book Keys, MEIR GENESIS | 3:24 way — GEN450 … we must remember that ultimately Torah i... GEN450 … we must remember that ultimately Torah is not about ethics alone; it is above all about holiness, about drawing near to God. Our sages repeatedly taught that ethical perfection is a necessary prerequisite for spiritual elevation; but it is in no way a substitute. Consider the following well-known midrash: Rabbi Ishmael the son of Rav Nahman stated, Consideration precedes Torah, as it is written: “[He placed at the East of Eden cherubim and the turning sword] to keep the way to the tree of life.” [this verse]. “The way” refers to consideration; the Tree of Life is Torah. Leviticus Rabbah 7:11 It is true that ethical behavior comes first; that is how we set out on the way. But it is only the way—the goal is the Tree of Life, which is Torah. MEIR 8 Share Print Source KeyMEIRVerse3:24Keyword(s)waySource Page(s)(See end of excerpt) Switch article GENESIS | 3:24 sword — GEN449 Weapons first appeared in the Torah at the... Previous Article GENESIS | 3:24 way — GEN451 Derech Eretz preceded the giving of... Next Article