The Mishnah on the Importance of Torah Study
m. Pe’ah 1:1
These are the things that have no definite quantity: the corners [of the field], firstfruits, [the offerings brought] on appearing [at the Temple on the three pilgrimage festivals], the performance of righteous deeds, and the study of the Torah. The following are the things for which a man enjoys the fruits in this world while the principal remains for him in the world to come: honoring one’s father and mother, the performance of righteous deeds, and the making of peace between a person and his friend. And the study of the Torah is equal to them all.
m. Avot 3:3
R. Simon said: If three have eaten at one table and have not spoken words of Torah there, [it is] as if they had eaten sacrifices [offered] to the dead, as it is said: For all tables are full of filthy vomit, when the All-Present is absent (Isaiah 28:8). But if three have eaten at one table and have spoken words of Torah there, [it is] as if they had eaten at the table of the All-Present, as it is said: And He said to me, “This is the table before the Lord” (Ezekiel 41:22).
Credits
Published in: The Posen Library of Jewish Culture and Civilization, vol. 2: Emerging Judaism.
