"For Instruction shall come forth from Zion, The word of the L-rd from Jerusalem." -- Isaiah 2:3

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DEUTERONOMY — 30:12 heavens

Torah Book & Portion, Book of Deuteronomy, Nitzavim (Deuteronomy 29:9-30:20), Source Book Keys, TZADIK
Page(s): 575-7
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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DEUTERONOMY — 30:13 sea

Torah Book & Portion, Book of Deuteronomy, Nitzavim (Deuteronomy 29:9-30:20), Source Book Keys, PATH
Page(s): 86-7
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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