רַבִּי מֵאִיר אוֹמֵר כָּל הָעוֹסֵק בַּתּוֹרָה לִשְׁמָהּ, זוֹכֶה לִדְבָרִים הַרְבֵּה.
וְלֹא עוֹד אֶלָּא שֶׁכָּל הָעוֹלָם כֻּלּוֹ כְדַי הוּא לוֹ…וּמְגַדַּלְתּוֹ וּמְרוֹמַמְתּוֹ עַל כָּל הַמַּעֲשִׂים (ו:א)
כָל מִי שֶׁעוֹסֵק בְּתַלְמוּד תּוֹרָה הֲרֵי זֶה מִתְעַלֶּה (ו:ב)
גדולה תורה שהיא נותנת חיים לעשיה בעוֹלָם הַזֶּה וּבָעוֹלָם הַבָּא (ו:ז)
Perek Kinyan Torah
Masechet Avot originally consisted of five perakim. To enable the ongoing study of Pirkei Avot on the sixth Shabbat between Pesach and Shavuot, a sixth perek was added. Since this Shabbat generally precedes Shavuot, the sixth perek prepares us for the chag by emphasizing the importance of Torah study. This perek is called “Kinyan Torah" because it discusses both the means of acquiring Torah and the significant values attained through its acquisition.
But despite its having been written for a specific time, it has application all year round.
Grants Life
Torah study benefits us in both this world and the next. Mishnah Zayin articulates this idea: “Torah is great, for it grants life in this world and the next."
The Next World
Considering Torah learning’s status as a central mitzvah, we can easily understand that it earns us life in the next world. Mishnah Yud makes this point by recounting Rebbe Yossi Ben Kisma’s refusal of a significant monetary offer intended to persuade him to relocate to a city without a strong Torah presence. He explained that only Torah learning and good deeds, rather than material wealth, accompany a person to the next world. While many things appear valuable in this world, our choices should prioritize what possesses enduring significance.
This World
The Mishnah’s assertion that Torah study grants life in this world is a greater chiddush. Rebbe Akiva reinforced this view in his response to those who questioned his dedication to teaching Torah despite Roman prohibition. He compared a Jew’s reliance on Torah study to a fish’s dependence on water. Torah is not simply an enhancement to life; it is fundamental to spiritual vitality. Although physical existence can continue without Torah, spiritual life requires its nourishment.
Making The Whole World Worthwhile
Beyond providing meaning to life, Mishnah Aleph lists several further benefits of Torah study. Before outlining these advantages, Rebbe Meir emphasizes that a single individual engaged in Torah study justifies the existence of the entire world.
As previously discussed, Masechet Avot begins with Shimon Hatzaddik’s statement that the world exists for Torah study (as well as Avodah and Gemilut Chassadim). Rebbe Meir extends this idea, asserting that even the Torah study of a single individual makes the entire world worthwhile.
The Greatest and Highest Life
Mishnah Aleph concludes its list of benefits by stating that Torah study elevates an individual to become “greater" and “higher" than all other creations. Torah study is considered “great" not only because it grants life, as mentioned in Mishnah Zayin, but also because it promotes personal growth.
The Gemara further explains the “greater" dimension of Torah study by stating that it surpasses the value of honoring parents, constructing the Beit Hamikdash, and even saving a life. While saving a life takes precedence over Torah study, the latter is considered of greater value because it enables us to achieve our full potential.
As previously mentioned, Mishnah Aleph describes Torah as elevating the student above other creations. Mishnah Bet adds another dimension, explaining that Torah learning elevates individuals not only in relation to others but also toward their own highest potential.
This second dimension underlies Rav Yosef’s reflection on his Torah learning. The Gemara recounts that when asked about his custom of celebrating the giving of the Torah on Shavuot by eating a special meat sandwich, Rav Yosef explained that without Torah learning, he would have remained an “average Joe (Yosef)."
Rashi’s articulation of Rav Yosef’s statement (“if not for the days I learned Torah and elevated myself…") connects it to the Mishnah’s emphasis on the transformative power of Torah. While mitzvot and good deeds yield reward, only Torah study cultivates personal development that elevates and distinguishes us.
In summary, the sixth perek of Avot highlights the profound importance of Torah learning: it grants life in both this world and the next, and it enables us to achieve greatness and realize our highest potential.
May these Mishnayot inspire us to appreciate and fully maximize opportunities for Torah study.
Rav Reuven Taragin is the Dean of Overseas Students at Yeshivat Hakotel and the Educational Director of World Mizrachi and the RZA.
His new book, Essentials of Judaism, is available at rabbireuventaragin.com.