Ten Minutes of Talmud #170—Rethinking Our Aspirations—Rabbi Amy Scheinerman

Ben Zoma says: Who is wise? One who learns from everyone, as it is said, I have learned from all my students (Psalm 119:99). Who is mighty? One who subdues their [evil] inclination, as it is said, Better to be forbearing than mighty, to have self-control than to conquer a city (Proverbs 16:32). Who is rich? One who rejoices in their lot, as it is said, You shall enjoy the fruit of your labors; you shall be happy and you shall prosper (Psalm 128:2). Who is honored? The one who honors others, as it is said, For I honor those that honor Me, but those who spurn Me shall be dishonored (1 Samuel 2:30). (Pirkei Avot 4:1)

INTRODUCTION

Shimon b. Zoma was a 1st/2nd century tanna in the circle of R. Yehoshua b. Chananiah. Talmud (BT Chagigah 14b) records that he was one of three colleagues who accompanied R. Akiba into the Pardes ( the “garden” of mystical knowledge). According to the talmudic narrative in Chagigah, Ben Zoma lost control of his mental faculties in the Pardes and, as a result, died young  before attaining ordination as a Rabbi. You will find another of Ben Zoma’s teachings in TMT-80. 

Thus said Adonai: Let not the wise person glory in their wisdom; let not the strong person glory in their strength; let not the rich person glory in their riches. But only in this should one glory: in earnest devotion to Me. For I, Adonai, act with kindness, justice, and equity in the world; for in these I delight—declares Adonai. (Jeremiah 9:22-23)

This teaching may have been inspired by the prophet Jeremiah’s evocation of wisdom, might, and wealth as distractions from what is truly important. Ben Zoma goes farther than Jeremiah; he redefines wisdom, might, wealth, and honor in the context of pursuing a spiritual life.

COMMENTARY

We each have a sense of what goals are worthy and important for the lives we wish to live. We keep these goals in our sights as we walk through the world. Wisdom, power, wealth, and honor might well be the four most sought after qualities people aspire to achieve. Ben Zoma agrees, but teaches us that before we attempt to acquire wisdom, power, wealth, and honor, we should understand their true meaning. Paradoxically, wisdom, might, wealth, and honor derive not from the world without, but rather through a process of inner, spiritual growth and righteous behavior. When we truly understand them, all four are readily available to each one of us.

We are accustomed to think of a wise person as one who has accumulated vast amounts of knowledge and is recognized for their intellectual accomplishments. Ben Zoma inverts that understanding: a wise person is one who pursues learning throughout their life keenly cognizant that they can learn from everyone and therefore is open to learning from all sources. Being wise is not about stockpiling knowledge; it is about learning from all sources because true wisdom is the openness to learn from everyone. 

Similarly, we think of might as the power to control others and the ability to coerce them into  doing what we want. Ben Yoma teaches that genuine might is not the power over others, but rather over one’s self. It is far easier to lash out at others who irritate us than to hold our tongues. Self-restraint and moderation of our own negative tendencies evidence enormous might and, like wisdom, self-control is a lifelong pursuit.

It is well known that few people feel they are as rich as they would like. Even those in possession of vast wealth wish for more. Ben Zoma understands that feeling wealthy is not a function of our bank balances, but rather our sense of satisfaction with what we have. While we may still feel the need for more money or hope for more possessions, if we appreciate what we have and truly enjoy it, we are already “rich.”

Everyone craves honor. When treated with respect and admiration, we feel valued and worthy. But we have it backwards. The deeper truth, Ben Zoma teaches us, is that our focus should be on honoring others and treating them with the respect we wish for ourselves. When we do — and only when we do — are we truly honorable, whether or not we receive public recognition. There is a distinct difference between being publicly accorded honor, and honoring another person. The former may well feel more gratifying, but genuine, meaningful honor, Ben Zoma asserts, is what we give others and it is far more desirable.

All four attributes — wisdom, might, wealth, and honor — are ours for the having if we do two things. First, we must learn to recognize these attributes as soul properties attained through inner, spiritual growth, rather than as external markers attached to us by others. This is not intuitive, and is probably a counter-cultural idea in most any era. Second, we must work at self-improvement and generously share ourselves with others without focusing on acquiring something in return. The path is simple when we see it, but a challenging one to walk.

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER AND DISCUSS

1. Who are, or have been, the “unofficial” but invaluable teachers in your life?
2. When have you felt most in command of yourself? Was it difficult to achieve? What helps you to control feelings and reactions you want to rein in?
3. The understanding that we are all “created in the image of God” can be understood to say that we all contain the spark of the Divine, and reflect God’s holiness. Hence by honoring others (who are images of God), we honor God. How might this viewpoint suggest changes to incorporate into your own behavior?