Home

BabylonianTalmud, Avodah Zara 17b

 

תלמוד בבלי, עבודה זרה יז:

Original Text:

דאמר רב הונא: כל העוסק בתורה בלבד - דומה כמי שאין לו אלוה, שנאמר (דברי הימים ב' טו) וימים רבים לישראל ללא אלהי אמת וגו' , מאי ללא אלהי אמת? שכל העוסק בתורה בלבד - דומה כמי שאין לו אלוה.

Translation:

Rav Huna said: One who occupies oneself only with studying Torah acts as if one has no God, as it says, "Israel has gone many days without a true God, etc." What is meant by "without a true God"?! That one who occupies oneself only with Torah is like a person who is Godless.
[Soncino translation]

Suggested Discussion Questions:

1. Given the value of Torah study in the Jewish tradition, why does Rav Huna so strongly condemn those who engage only in Torah study? What else would he expect from a student of Torah?
2. What is the purpose of education? What other qualities must be combined with study in order to make one more complete?

Time Period:
Type:
Categories:
Keywords:
    Related Texts:
    BabylonianTalmud, Avodah Zara 17b
    Related Sourcesheets:Neighbors in Need, Texts on Social Change v. Social Action, Women and Leadership, Rabbi Dianne Cohler-Esses [2007], An Introduction to Social Action and Jewish Responsibility

    Submitted By

    Sarah Margles

    Comments on this Text