DEUT1595 What is the intent of "It is not in the heavens"? Rava said: "You will not find it with those who are haughty over it, as the heavens. R. Yochanan said: You will not find it with the vain (Eruvin 55a)

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DEUT1592 If one has been moved to perform this mitzvah of Torah study, to fulfill it correctly and be crowned with the crown of Torah, he should not divert his mind to other matters, and he should not set his heart upon acquiring Torah together with wealth and honor. But (Avos 6:4): "This is the way of Torah: Eat bread with salt, and drink water by measure, and sleep on the ground, and live a life of affliction – – and labor in Torah." And if you say: "When I acquire enough money to free myself from my work, then I will devote myself to Torah study" – – if such a thought enters your mind, you will never merit the crown of Torah. But "make your Torah permanent and your work temporary" (ibid.1:15), "And do not say: 'When I free myself I will learn' – perhaps you will never free yourself" (ibid. 2:4). The Torah writes [this and next verse]: "It [Torah] is not in heaven" – – that is, it does not reside with the haughty, "and it is not across the seas" – – that is, it does not reside with those who cross the seas [for commerce] (Eruvin 55a). Therefore, our Sages of blessed memory have stated (Avos 2:5): "Not all those who engage in commerce grow wise," and (ibid.4:10): "Limit your occupations and occupy yourself with Torah."

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DEUT1596 The desire for money binds a person to this world and places the shackles of labor and [the pursuit] of business upon him, as it says (Koheles 5:9): "One who loves silver will never be satisfied by silver." This distracts him from the service of the Eternal. Many prayers go to waste and many mitzvos are forgotten due to excessive involvement in business and the toil [invested] in large-scale enterprise. This becomes even more [relevant] regarding the learning of Torah. The Sages of blessed memory have already stated (Eruvin 55a): "'It is not across the sea' [this verse] means that [Torah does not reside] in those who travel across the sea for business." And we have learned (Pirkei Avos 2:6): "He who excessively invests in business will not become wise." It [the desire for money] exposes him to many dangers, and piles of worries that sap his strength, [and this can happen] even to a very successful person. And accordingly we learned (ibid. 2:7): "Increasing one's possessions [only] increases one's worries." It is this [situation] which often leads one to violate the mitzvos of the Torah – and the norms of common sense, as well.

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DEUT1599 See [[DEUT484]] Deuteronomy 10:20 worship DUTIES 739-41

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DEUT1600 See [[DEUT124]] Deuteronomy 4:29 search DUTIES 653-5

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DEUT1602 See [[DEUT205]] Deuteronomy 6:5 heart DUTIES 13-15

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DEUT1603 See [[EXOD354]] Exodus 20:2 other DUTIES 63-7

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DEUT1604 See [[GEN634]] Genesis 8:21 evil DUTIES 543

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DEUT1605 See [[NUM197]] Numbers 15:39 stray DUTIES 35

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DEUT1598 (Continued from [[GEN132]] Genesis 1:28 blessed LEHRMAN 3) The purpose of this book is to show that, provided the effort is conscientious and unflagging, man can accomplish this perfection. No miracle, no sacrament, no vicarious saviour can achieve for him only what his own efforts in this direction can. It all depends on the manner of his translation of his affirmation into action, a power of which he usually is the master [this verse]. What singles out the Jewish way of life as unique is its sane, balanced approach and outlook on life. Both the Bible and the Talmud – – not to mention our medieval and modern writers and Judaism--lay greater stress on purity of motive and ethical conduct than upon ceremonial practice and ritual observance, essential as these are as aids to and reminders of the higher life upon which they flash a beacon of light.

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