Moses pleaded with the people, "Pay attention and listen!"  (Deut. 27:9)

The phrase "pay attention" ('has-keit') is uncommon. One interpretation given in the Talmud is:

"Form groups ('asu kittot') and study Torah, for Torah knowledge is only acquired through group study." (Berachot 63b)

Intolerance, Ignorance, and Iniquity

Rabbi Yossi went even further. He warned that scholars who study by themselves bring upon themselves violence, ignorance, and sin.

Why is studying alone so terrible?

This question may be addressed both on a practical level, and in terms of the essential nature of Torah study.

There are three practical benefits when scholars study together in groups. The first advantage is that they become accustomed to hearing opinions different from their own. This trains them for greater openness and tolerance. Scholars who study by themselves are not exposed to their colleagues' views and ideas. Such scholars grow to be intolerant of any opinion that differs from their own interpretation. This intolerance is a major factor in disputes and fights, and can lead to verbal and even physical violence.

Secondly, scholars who study alone or in small groups will not succeed in properly analyzing matters of faith and basic Torah viewpoints. In terms of these fundamental subjects, such reclusive scholars remain ignorant and misinformed.

Thirdly, the lack of proper clarification of legal questions will lead those who study by themselves to mistakes and sin. As teachers and leaders, these scholars are judged according to the negative influence they have on the people. Furthermore, their solitude may lead to unnecessary stringencies, which are referred to as sinful (as in the case of the Nazarite).

Torah of Life

On a fundamental level, there is a contradiction between a Torah lifestyle and a life of reclusiveness and rejection of the world. The Torah is a "Torat chaim", a Torah of life. It values those proper enjoyments that enrich the individual and bestow happiness. By its very nature, the Torah and its mitzvot require a framework of social and communal living. This approach leads to a healthy society and an appreciation for friendship and camaraderie.

The pursuit of solitude and isolation from society — which many people mistakenly think leads to closeness to God — is alien to the Torah's viewpoint. The Torah is so opposed to such thinking that even the acquisition of Torah knowledge may not be properly accomplished by solitary study.

(adapted from Ein Eyah vol. II, pp. 389-390)

Copyright © 2006 by Chanan Morrison