Learning Torah | Discussion Page
Synopsis
Learning Torah
Chavruta resource learning preparing for Shavuot -Learning
The Mitzva of Learning
Relating to this source >
1. Why are we commanded to learn?
2. Why are we commanded to teach?
3. Is learning a means to an end or an end in itself
You Will Understand
Relating to this source >
1. What does it mean to “understand the fear of the Lord”?
2. What does it mean to “attain knowledge of God”?
3. Are these the same thing?
4. What is the ultimate purpose of learning?
Learn All Night
Relating to this source >
1. Do you agree that most of one’s wisdom comes at night?
2. We usually sleep at night and our houses do not burn.
How do we make sense of this source?
Interim Summary
See here the full Chavruta resource book >
The tradition of studying together on Tikkun Leyl Shavuot – the eve of Shavuot
– epitomises the Jewish passion for and commitment to communal learning.
The model of Chavruta – exploring Jewish texts with a partner or a group –
creates a space for reflection, growth, participation, diversity and tolerance.
Through this resource we hope to bring together the tradition of Tikkun Leyl Shavuot
and the model of Chavruta to supplement your learning event. Read more>
The Discussion
Let the (Torah)games begin!
The first and the most important question is why and what is so important to learn?
Of course continued curiosity and learning
is a great trait for any one.
But does Torah learning have the same goals?
See here what the Torah itself says about it
Did you ever see the award winning Hollywood romantic musical film
Yentel – Directed, co-written, co-produced, and starring Barbra Streisand ?
Beside its clear feminist message
It is one of the rare occasions that popular culture dealt with Torah learning .
But , does it ?
.What kind of learning is going on there?
Is the subtext of what makes a good chavruta (partner) a good reflection of it ?
Who and why is considered the top of the class?
Is that why you are interested in Torah learning?
Watch this clip
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x
I think that a much more meaningful is the song she sings at the end of the film – Papa can you hear me .
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x
Are you sure ?
this song ts not about learing
but about her longing for her father.
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x
I think that separating one from the other – does not give the real meaning of the Torah study
as I said down below.
I believe that this is why Torah study is fundamentally different
from any other type of learning.
Its not about accumulating knowledge
– but rather to embrace identity and culture
as Levi explained.
i agree with Levi.
For her , learning was a way to connect with her father
He was the reason why she began learning. I think this song says it all.
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x
I disagree : the central motivation in the story is to become a learned “man”.
Of-course she loves her father but the bond between them is that he believed that she can become a scholar .
I think that there some thing very deep here
: In the first source you gave us the content, ways of learning etc. is not elaborated. In fact It seems that there is no commandment to study yourself .
The core is “teach your children”.It sounds like the chicken and egg question .but it is not .
To have a caring meaningful relationship between parents and children
demands the parents to “give” something to your children: the tradition and identity passed to the younger generation.But it works the other way around too.
You cannot connect to you culture and tradition
if you don’t have a meaningful relationship with your parents.
can This source be relevant to us?.
What do you think about the meaning of learning as
Heschel speaks about here
How is it different from other types of learning ?
dsaf
What do you think is the relation that Heschels take
on the Sages deliberations of study and action
Read these two Hazal texts : “Study over Action“ and “God Too Learns”
Watch this fascinating videos clip with Rabbi Heschel
What do you think about these different points of view
on the ancient dilemma of theory vs. action?
Learning Together
Read here about the power of chavruta.
Is the purpose of learning with a partner to “sharpen each other” or to “ignite the fire” of torah?
Read this tale,
Can we find paradise through individual study? Why or why not?
For me the most mportant element for learning Torah is that it connects me to my identity .
Reading words that have been spoken by my ancestors more then a thousand years is a feeling I cannot describe
Levi ganz
is that it connects me to my identity .
Reading words that have been spoken by my ancestors
more than a thousand years ago
is a feeling I cannot describe