Ta’anit 7

What a delicious page! Our daf has some of the best lines about the importance of studying Torah 1) from a place of humility and 2) with others.

Rabbi Ḥama, son of Rabbi Ḥanina, said: What is the meaning of that which is written: “Iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend” (Proverbs 27:17)? This verse comes to tell you that just as with these iron implements, one sharpens the other when they are rubbed against each other, so too, when Torah scholars study together, they sharpen one another in halakha.

This is the core explanation of why we study in chevrutah when we learn words of Torah and why it’s good to have a Torah study partner who pushes and challenges your understandings. But the Gemara is not done yet:

Rabba bar bar Ḥana said: Why are matters of Torah compared to fire, as it is stated: “Is not My word like fire, says the Lord” (Jeremiah 23:29)? To tell you: Just as fire does not ignite in a lone stick of wood but in a pile of kindling, so too, matters of Torah are not retained and understood properly by a lone scholar who studies by himself, but by a group of Sages.

Don’t study Torah alone! More on that:

And this is what Rabbi Yosei bar Ḥanina said: What is the meaning of that which is written: “A sword is upon the boasters [habaddim], and they shall become fools [noalu]” (Jeremiah 50:36)? This verse can be interpreted homiletically: There is a sword upon the enemies of Torah scholars, a euphemism for Torah scholars themselves, who sit alone [bad bevad] and study Torah. And not only that, but those who study by themselves grow foolish from their solitary Torah study, as it is stated: “And they shall become fools.”

And not only that, but they sin, as it is written here: “And they shall become fools,” and it is written there: “For that we have done foolishly [noalnu] and for that we have sinned” (Numbers 12:11).

Studying Torah alone is not only not as good as studying with others – but it can ever be a sin! Why? Our rabbis seemed to know about echo chambers and confirmation bias. When I read Torah (or Talmud) I see things from my perspective, I put my ideas into the mouths of those whose words I am reading (I really do this, not just hyperbole). So, I need others to help me see the words from the perspective of others; to remind me of context and challenge my working assumptions. If only we applied these rules to studying headlines!

You might be thinking that you need to study with people on your level. The Gemara continues:

Rav Naḥman bar Yitzḥak said: Why are Torah matters likened to a tree, as it is stated: “It is a tree of life to them who lay hold upon it” (Proverbs 3:18)? This verse comes to tell you that just as a small piece of wood can ignite a large piece, so too, minor Torah scholars can sharpen great Torah scholars and enable them to advance in their studies.

We can all learn from one another. Remember what Ben Zoma said in Pirke Avot 4: Who is wise? He who learns from everyone.

So, let’s end with the most delicious line of all, a fabulous line for all the teachers out there:

And this is what Rabbi Ḥanina said: I have learned much from my teachers and even more from my friends, but from my students I have learned more than from all of them.