Rabbi Elazar Of Bartota Said: "Give To Him Of That Which Is His, For You And Whatever Is Yours Are His. And So It Is Said By David: 'For All Things Are From You, And From Your Own We Have Given You.' "[30]

Rabbi Yaakov Said: "When A Person Walks On A Journey Reviewing [A Passage Of The Torah], And Interrupts His Study To Remark: 'How Beautiful Is This Tree! How Beautiful Is This Plowed Field!' [The Torah] Considers It As If He Were Guilty Of A Mortal Sin."

Give To Him Of That Which Is His, For You And Whatever Is Yours Are His

This teaching urges us to dedicate ourselves and our resources to G-d's service with an all-encompassing commitment. In many instances, although a person is willing to fulfill the obligations the Torah places upon him, it is natural for him to attach a certain degree of self-importance to his deeds.

Take for example the mitzvah of giving tzedakah. We are obligated to tithe.[31] Most people feel proud when they choose to give their money away for such a purpose.

Our mishnah teaches us to perform such deeds with humility, for the very opportunity to possess property is granted by G-d. Therefore we should perform deeds of charity as a matter of course, without attaching great importance to them.

As proof, the mishnah cites a prooftext - "from Your own we have given You," which speaks of the donations given to construct the Beis HaMikdash, the ultimate expression of human activity, the building of a dwelling for G-d. Yet even these donations were given in a spirit of humility.[32]

(Sichos Shabbos Parshas Shelach, 5736)

Rabbi Yaakov Said

There are versions of the mishnah which attribute this teaching to Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, of whom it is said: "The Torah was his occupation."[33] The choice of the present version emphasizes that even a person who has not made such an all-encompassing commitment to the study of Torah can appreciate that, as an expression of mili dechassidusa, it is improper to cease studying in the instance mentioned.

(Sichos Shabbos Parshas Vaes'chanan, 5741)

One Who Walks On The Road Reviewing [A Passage Of The Torah]

Our Sages explained[34] that while traveling, a person should not involve himself in intense study, but should instead review straightforward laws which he has already learned. Nevertheless, he should not interrupt his study to say such things as "How beautiful is this tree!" Though appreciation of the greatness of G-d's creative powers is itself an aspect of our divine service,[35] its importance does not compare with that of the study of Torah.

(Sichos Shabbos Parshas Shelach, 5736)

   

Notes:

30. (Back to text) I Chronicles 29:14.

31. (Back to text) See Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De'ah, sec. 248.

32. (Back to text) It is all the more significant that the statement was made by David, king of the Jewish people. Despite his exalted position, he was humble, and was able to inspire others with this feeling.

33. (Back to text) Shabbos 11a.

34. (Back to text) Taanis, loc. cit.

35. (Back to text) As indicated by our Sages' institution of the blessing shekachah lo beolamo when a person sees beautiful creations or pleasant-looking trees. (Rambam, Mishneh Torah, Hilchos Berachos 10:13). See the commentary of R. Ovadiah of Bartenura to this mishnah.