Derech Eretz Kadma LaTorah

A Multi-faceted Perspective
Rabbi Elchanan Adler
Rosh Yeshiva, RIETS One of the most oft quoted rabbinic aphorisms is derech eretz kadma laTorah derech eretz precedes Torah. As we prepare to celebrate our receiving the Torah on Shavuos, it is worth exploring the origin of this concept, as well as various layers of its interpretation.

Defining Derech Eretz

The term derech eretz, in Chazals parlance, has multiple meanings. First, it refers to the notion of menschlichkeit, decency, common courtesy. Second, it relates in a broad sense to the notion of a livelihood, a parnasa. R. Samson Raphael Hirsch explains how both of these notions are reflected in the expression derech eretz. Derech eretz connotes: we are part of a social fabric, and within this context we find our fulfillment. Derech eretz includes everything that flows from the human beings necessity to perfect his destiny and his life, together with his society, through the medium of the earths bounty. Hence, the term is used in reference to earning a livelihood and establishing civic order, and in reference to the paths of discipline with manners and refinement that social life require, and to everything that touches upon the development of humankind and civility. Commentary of R. S.R. Hirsch to Pirkei Avos, 2:2 , . , , - . " :

Derech Eretz as a Basis for Torah

According to the Midrash, the expression derech eretz kadma laTorah originates in the Torahs description of the divine gatekeepers at the Garden of Eden whose purpose was to guard the way of the tree of life. The Midrash notes, in homiletic fashion, that the word derech, an allusion to norms of derech eretz, precedes the words eitz hachayim, a symbolic reference to Torah. The Midrash associates this with the historical phenomenon that

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societal norms were enshrined in human consciousness from time immemorial while Torah was presented to the Jewish People via Moshe, who numbered the 26th generation to Adam. R. Yishmael son of R. Nachman said: Derech eretz preceded Torah by 26 generations. This is the meaning of what is written: to guard the way of the tree of life - the way refers to derech eretz; afterwards, the tree of life which is Torah. Vayikra Rabba Chapter 9 " " ) , ( ." ,

As understood by the baalei musar, the message of the Midrash is that derech eretz norms are axiomatic to Torah. In other words, intuitive principles which inhere in the human condition are binding in their own right and serve as a foundation for the mitzvos of the Torah. As elucidated by the Alter of Slabodka: However, upon reflection we will see that character traits and attributes are an introduction to the Torah and the primary foundation of the essence of a person, without which a person is ... not worthy at all of Torah This is the intent of the Rabbis: Derech eretz preceded Torah by twenty six generations, for all of ": " , the good character traits and attributes are included in derech eretz; they were ingrained in human nature and for them there is no need for the giving of the Torah. The giving of the Torah , came to build on these [traits and attributes] and to command him to continue to rise heavenward to ever higher levels transcending those which are in the realm of derech eretz. ... Or HaTzafun Vol. 1 pg. 173, 175 " ' , The Alter writes further: Upon reflection we will see that this code, too, that which is referred to as derech eretz, which preceded Torah from Sinai, is a comprehensive system which encompasses the entire man. Or HaTzafun Vol. 1, pg. 176 , , . " '

That humans possess an innate capacity to intuit certain norms of derech eretz is implicit in the following Talmudic observation: R. Yochanan Said: Had the Torah not been given, we would have learned to be modest from cats, to avoid theft from ants, to avoid promiscuity from doves, and derech eretz from roosters. Eruvin 100b : , , ., :

In a sweeping statement, Rabbeinu Nissim Gaon posits the binding nature of derech eretz norms: For all precepts that are dependent on logic and intuition of
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the heart are already binding upon all [humanity] from the day that G-d created man on the earth, upon man and his offspring for all future generations. R. Nissim Gaon, Introduction to the Talmud

. "

Additionally, Chizkuni (Bereishis 7:21) understands this to be the basis upon which the generation of the flood was punished, despite having never received specific divine commandments about how to behave: If you will ask: Why was the generation of the flood punished if they were never commanded to fulfill mitzvos? The answer is that there are numerous mitzvos that people must keep based on logic even if they were not commanded to keep them. Therefore, they were punished. . " .

We see that the moral intuition that Hashem instilled in humankind, which in the worlds first millennia was an integral component of universal human experience, imposes an obligation irrespective of formal commandments. Indeed, Rav Eliyahu Dessler suggests that the obligation to act with respect toward another person derives from that others very humanity: The root of this obligation lies in our obligation toward a human being by virtue of his being a human being. Michtav MeEliyahu, Vol. 4, P. 246 Rav Dessler writes further: One who does not appreciate the obligation to respect others lacks the attributes required for success in Torah [learning]. Ibid P. 248 . 248 ', ... 246 '

Rav Desslers contention that derech eretz is a prerequisite for Torah echoes the Mishna in Pirkei Avos which states: - Without derech eretz there cannot be Torah. As Rabbeinu Yona explains: One must first improve ones own character traits and with that, the Torah can endure with him because it cannot endure with a person that doesnt have good character traits. One cannot learn Torah first and then acquire good character traits because this is impossible. Rabbeinu Yona to Avos, Chapter 3 , . .

In sum, the dictum derech eretz kadma laTorah is not only historical, but moral-ethical. Man must excel in derech eretz in order to fully absorb Torah.

The Derech Eretz within Torah

Viewing derech eretz as axiomatic to Torah may imply that one should not pursue serious Torah learning before becoming proficient in social etiquette. In fact, nothing could be further from the
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truth. Such a notion is refuted by the Mishnas corollary statement: Without Torah, there is no derech eretz. As explained by Rabbeinu Yona, most of the principles of derech eretz can be found in the Torah, more than anywhere else. Without Torah there is no derech eretz-Meaning that one who doesnt know Torah is incomplete in character traits of derech eretz because a majority of the good character traits about the ways of the world are in the Torah. For example, extending loans, severance pay, honest weights and measures and many others like this. If so, without Torah, ones character traits cannot be complete with derech eretz. Rabbeinu Yona to Avos, Chapter 3 , , , . : , , . .

Apparently, then, the relationship between derech eretz and Torah is reciprocal and mutually reinforcing. On the one hand, Torah presupposes a requisite, baseline level of derech eretz. For an individual who lacks even such a minimal standard of derech eretz, Torah loses its redeeming value, and may actually be dangerous, chas veshalom. Moreover, a deficiency in menschlichkeit, however slight, may serve as an impediment to the Torahs ability to ennoble ones personality. On the other hand, Torah which is studied and observed properly is designed to reinforce standards of common decency. As noted by Rabbeinu Yona, the principles of derech eretz underlie countless mitzvos. In addition, the Torah helps us aspire to loftier, more sublime standards of derech eretz. Hence, in a post MatanTorah world, the demarcation between Torah and derech eretz need not be so sharply defined. Ultimately, our derech eretz protocol ought to be informed and enhanced by the laws and values of Torah. Indeed, we may discern this in the Talmuds language that one could have learned derech eretz from roosters ilmalei nitna Torah - had the Torah not been given; the clear implication being that once the Torah was given, however, human moral intuition must be reinforced and sharpened by Torah study.1

Sefer Bereishis: Book of Derech Eretz

As noted, the Midrash patterns the dictum derech eretz kadma laTorah on the wording of a pasuk in Parshas Bereishis. We have also seen that derech eretz is an overarching concept that is interwoven into the fabric of Torah itself. Derech eretz is, at once a prerequisite for Torah as well as an outgrowth of Torah. Let us sharpen our understanding of these ideas by exploring the relationship between Sefer Bereishis and Sefer Shemos, as well as between the parshiyos of Beshalach and Yisro. The Netziv (in his introduction to Sefer Bereishis), notes that the first book of the Torah is also known as Sefer Hayashar (the book of the Just) because it describes the lives of the Patriarchs who are called yesharim (ehrlich or decent people). The Netziv explains that the hallmark of yashrus is a spirit of benevolence and tolerance which is displayed even toward those who may
1

For a further development of this idea, see the comments of Rav Shimon Schwab (Mayan Beis HaShoeiva, Parshas Yisro, p. 200-1) regarding the Torahs demands of kibud av vaeim, which transcend the normal standards of honoring ones parents as dictated by human intuition. 8
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espouse a worldview that is antithetical and diametrically opposed to ones own. Such an attitude is apparent in the Torahs account of the lives of the Patriarchs and the dealings that they had with the various personalities with whom they interacted. The Netziv explains further that the rationale for such conduct is the premium attached to preserving the social order of the world to the greatest degree possible the quintessential notion of derech eretz. Based on this analysis, it follows that Sefer Bereishis - the Sefer Hayashar - serves as a fitting prelude to Sefer Shemos - which contains the account of Matan Torah - in the spirit of derech eretz kadma laTorah. Interestingly, this same insight is advanced by R. Tzadok haKohen of Lublin (Or Zarua LaTzadik, p. 7) who posits that Sefer Bereishis precedes Sefer Shemos since it contains the narratives of the Patriarchs, stories of their exceptional character traits, and accounts of their settling and civilizing the world all of which are, by definition, narratives of derech eretz. Moreover, the Patriarchs, as paragons of derech eretz, stand in stark contrast to societies such as the dor hamabul (generation of the flood) and Sodom whose failings in derech eretz norms caused them to be wiped off the face of the earth. Only after experiencing these narratives, writes R. Tzadok, are we prepared for Sefer Shemos, the book wherein Torah is given. In a homiletic vein, R. Yosef Dov Soloveitchik develops a similar idea. Jewish chosenness is a function of two discrete historical events: Hashems choice of the Avos, the Patriarchs, and His choice of the Jewish nation at Sinai. R. Soloveitchik compares the patriarchal covenant to the process of ibud (lit. work), wherein parchment is treated in order to render it suitable for writing a Torah scroll on it, and he compares the Sinai covenant to writing the letters of the scroll itself. Just as the letters of the scroll cannot be written without ibud, the Jew cannot observe Torah unless he performs ibud upon his personality, relates to the Patriarchs, and models his behavior after their derech eretz. Expanding this metaphor, R. Soloveitchik notes that there are two types of ibud. For mezuzah, ibud is performed on the inner, hairless side of the parchment (known as duchsustus), the side that touches the animals flesh and muscle. This ibud corresponds to our efforts in controlling desire and passion, which results in protection of our inner selves, just as a mezuzah protects the interior of ones house. These efforts represent the antithesis of the sin of dor hamabul, whose society was characterized by unbridled hedonism and a complete breakdown of self-discipline. By contrast, the ibud for tefillin is performed on the outer, hairy side of the parchment (known as klaf), the side that interfaces with the world. This ibud parallels our efforts to develop empathy toward others, symbolized by tefillin, which highlights the link between Hashems unity and the Jewish nations unity; who is like Your nation, Yisrael, a distinguished, unified nation in the world. These efforts are the antithesis of the sin of the dor hapalagah (generation of the dispersion) whose communist-like society was characterized by a total disregard of the worth of the individual and an utter lack of empathy and compassion.2

This insight was a part of the aggada portion of one of R. Soloveitchiks famed yahrzeit drashos delivered in the 1950s. A Yiddish transcript of the entire homily was prepared by the journalist Dr. Hillel Seidman and reprinted in Beis Yosef Shaul, Vol. 4 (R. Elchanan Adler, ed., 1994), under the title Ah yid iz geglichen tzu ah Sefer Torah (A Jew is Compared to A Torah Scroll), along with a Hebrew translation (by R. Sholom Carmy) entitled HaYehudi mashul 9
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Parshas Beshalach: The Parsha of Derech Eretz

Let us turn to the relationship between Parshas Yisro, which contains the narrative of Matan Torah, and the Torah portion which precedes it, Parshas Beshalach a parsha which, as we will see, epitomizes derech eretz. One need go no further than the very first verse of Parshas Beshalach to discern an allusion to derech eretz. Firstly, this is the sole place in the Torah where the words derech eretz appear in succession: Velo nacham Elokim derech eretz Pelishtim. For the literary purist, this equation is erroneous, since derech eretz here means through the path of the land [of Pelishtim]; if so, the phrase bears no relation to the derech eretz of Chazals parlance. Nonetheless, given the tradition that leika midi dela remiza beoraisa there is nothing to which the Torah does not allude - the semantic parallel is unmistakable, and leaves room for drawing a subtle message. We can also infer the notion of derech eretz in the parshas title, Beshalach. The Torah records: Vayehi beshalach Paroh es haam And it was when [Pharaoh] sent out [the nation]. Beshalach (sent out) implies that the nations departure from Egypt was dependent on Pharaohs formal acquiescence and granting permission. Why would this be so? R. Chaim Shmuelevitz explains that despite its failings, Egypt served as the Jews host country, and derech eretz demanded that the Jews receive a formal discharge before departing. He illustrates this by citing the example of Chananya, Mishael, and Azarya, who were thrust by Nevuchadnetzar into a fiery furnace, and did not step out until receiving a formal discharge order from the King. The Midrash draws a parallel between their conduct and that of Noach who also waited for Hashem to formally discharge him before exiting the ark. This pattern of conduct in all of these cases, explains R. Shmuelevitz, is typical of derech eretz.3 The third verse of Parshas Beshalach recounts Moshes involvement with Yosefs bones. This, too, represents an aspect of derech eretz: honoring anothers request, and extending a gesture of gratitude. Later in parshas Beshalach, the Torah recounts the episode of the manna. As we know, the manna was the archetype of parnasa. In fact, the daily recitation of parshas haman is supposed to insure that ones efforts toward providing for a livelihood will be met with success (see Mishna Berura 1:13). And earning parnasa, as we have seen, also falls within the larger purview of derech eretz.
lesefer Torah. For the portion referenced here, see pp. 46-55 (Yiddish version) and pp. 86-95 (Hebrew translation). An English translation was recently printed, in several installments, in Yeshiva Universitys student publication Kol HaMevaser, but has yet to appear in any of the published posthumous books containing the Ravs discourses. 3 See Sichos Musar, maamar # 5. (Regarding how adhering to norms of derech eretz would justify Chananya, Mishael, and Azaryas remaining in the furnace at risk of their lives, R. Shmuelevitz cites a Midrash which states that they received at the outset a divine sign indicating that they would miraculously survive.) Interestingly, the Chasam Sofer explains a textual anomaly earlier in Sefer Shemos along similar lines. When Pharaoh suggests to Moshe that the Jews offer sacrifices to Hashem in Egypt, rather than in the desert, Moshe responds (Shemos 8:22): lo nachon - it is not proper to do this, for Egyptians worship sheep; could we slaughter the Egyptian deity to their eyes without them stoning us? Moshes response contains a redundancy. If he was worried about being stoned, why invoke the lo nachon, the concept of correctness; and if he was worried about correctness, why invoke the fear of stoning? The Chasam Sofer answers that Moshes first concern, that of lo nachon, was primary. Moshe felt that it was not proper, not consistent with norms of derech eretz, to act in a manner that would cause the Egyptians to stone the Jews, and thereby to be punished. Since the Egyptians hosted the Jews, derech eretz demanded that the Jews, unless extremely provoked, not act in a manner which would cause harm to the Egyptians. 10
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Chok UMishpat of Mara

Perhaps the most compelling indication that Parshas Beshalach epitomizes derech eretz is the Torahs account of Mara, the desert way station visited by the Jews shortly after experiencing kerias yam suf. The Torah describes how, after traveling for three days without water, the Jews arrived in Mara, where they could not partake of the waters, which were bitter. The Jews immediately complained to Moshe, who cried out to Hashem for assistance. Hashem, in turn, guided Moshe to miraculously sweeten the waters. The Torah concludes this verse with the words, sham sam lo chok uMishpat, veSham nisahu there he established for them a decree and a law, and there he tested them. The reference to decree and law is fraught with ambiguity. What is its precise meaning? Does this refer to specific mitzvos? If so, which ones? The Ramban, Shemos 15:25, suggests the following explanation: When they began to enter the great and awesome desert, and thirst where there was no water, He established for them practices concerning their livelihood and their necessities, that they should follow until their arrival in an inhabited land Alternatively, He disciplined them with the rules of the desert, i.e. to endure hunger and thirst, and to call out regarding them to Hashem, but not in a manner of complaint. And laws, for life, to love each man his fellow, to act upon the elders advice, to be modest in their tents regarding women and children, and to be peaceful with merchants who enter the camp to market their wares, and admonitions that they not act like the camps of marauders who commit all manner of abomination without remorse similarly, in Joshua (24,25) it is said and he established for him decree and ordinance in Shechem; these are not Torah decrees and laws, but rather standard practices and bylaws for regulating a civilized society.. , ... , , ', . , , , , , , , ) ( , ) ,( , ...

In other words, the laws of Mara were not Torah laws; they were norms of derech eretz. They were a regimen for life, for getting along, a code for living. And, as noted by the Alter of Slabodka (cited earlier), derech eretz norms are a comprehensive system which encompasses the entire human being. Rashi, on the other hand, cites a Midrashic explanation that decree and ordinance refers to a series of mitzvos that were presented to the Jewish people before their formal receiving the Torah at Sinai.4 These included the following: Shabbos, kibud av vaeim, parah adumah,5 and dinim (the legal code spelled out in Parshas Mishpatim).

According to the Ramban, these mitzvos were intended primarily for educational purposes and were not yet binding. I have dealt with the Rambans position at length (and with the myriad views regarding the evolution of the mitzvah of Shabbos) in my sefer Mitzvas HaShabbos (2008). 11
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If we consider the nature of these particular mitzvos, it is obvious that they all reflect, to some degree, the ideals of derech eretz. This is most apparent in the mitzvah of dinim (laws), which form the basis for the fabric of society. So too, the mitzvah of kibud av vaem is based on hakaras hatov, recognizing and appreciating ones parents for their role in bringing one into the world and their efforts in nurturing ones development. The mitzvos of Shabbos and parah adumah can likewise be seen as rooted in derech eretz norms in that both are characterized by the notions of surrender and self-discipline: Shabbos through withdrawal from daily activity and parah adumah through surrendering intellectually by acknowledging that there are matters that lie beyond the pale of human comprehension. Taken together, the mitzvos of Mara serve to create an integrated derech eretz personality who would be naturally receptive to the rigors demanded by a Torah lifestyle. It can therefore be argued that the pre-Matan Torah mitzvos of Mara serve as a paradigm of derech eretz kadma laTorah. 6

The Test of Mara

If we interpret the mitzvos of Mara as reflecting aspects of derech eretz, we may better appreciate Rashis explanation of the pasuks concluding words: vesham nisahu and there He tested it (the nation). The juxtaposition of vesham nisahu with sham sam lo chok umishpat suggests a link between the phrases. What is the connection between the chok, the mishpat, and the test? Many commentaries (i.e. Ramban) explain that the decree and ordinance were meant as a test namely, to gauge the peoples response to these laws. According to this explanation, we may surmise that the Nation passed the test by embracing the rules and commandments presented to them. Rashi, however, interprets veshham nisahu as referring to the outset of the story when the nation was unable to drink the bitter waters: And there He tested it that is, He tested the people, and saw the stiffness of their neck, for they did not consult with Moshe using gracious language, saying pray on our behalf that there should be water for us to drink. Rather, they complained. Rashi, Shemos 15:25 - , , , . " :

If the test was meant to probe the manner in which the Jews would request water, then it appears that they failed the test miserably. Why, then, is this failure - captured by the words vesham nisahu - mentioned in connection with the nations being presented a series of mitzvos - sham sam lo chok umishpat? Once we link the mitzvos of Mara with the ideals of derech eretz, the answer is clear. Precisely because the Jews exhibited a failing in derech eretz by demanding water in an unrefined manner, it became necessary to present them with a series of mitzvos which encapsulate the spirit of derech eretz kadma laTorah. Accordingly, the closing phrase of the pasuk - vesham nisahu5

Rashi in Beshalach omits kibud av vaem and mentions parah adumah. Torah Temima suggests that Rashis mention of parah adumah is based on a scribal error, and originally appeared as an acrostic of kaf aleph (for kibud av), which was mistaken for pei aleph (parah adumah). However, in Parshas Mishpatim (24:3) Rashi includes kibud av vaem as well as parah adumah. Rashis comments here are based on Seder Olam Zuta (chapter 4) which mentions parah adumah. 6 For more on the implications of Maras symbolizing derech eretz, see Mitzvas HaShabbos, p. 52. 12
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And there he tested them - provides the context and rationale for sham sam lo chok umishpat there he established for them decree and ordinance. In fact, Rashis language implies (as noted by the Ramban), that these mitzvos were given not in a binding capacity, but rather as cognitive/intellectual tools - parshiyos sheyisasku bahem selected portions of Torah with which they would occupy themselves with. We may suggest, in line with Rashis approach, that the prime purpose of this intellectual exercise was to sensitize the Jews to aspects of derech eretz, an area in which they needed dramatic improvement.7

A Novel Insight into the Blessing of Ahava Rabba

Our understanding of Maras decree and ordinance as epitomizing the spirit of derech eretz kadma laTorah, sheds fresh light on a seeming redundancy in the prayer for success in Torah recited each day. First, we pray: In the merit of our ancestors who trusted in you, And you taught them decrees of life, So, too, favor us and teach us. .

As explained by the Abudraham, the word avoseinu our forefathers refers to our ancestors who left Egypt to enter into the desert without any provisions. If so, we may suggest that vatelamdeim chukei chayim And you taught them decrees of life - refers to the Torah of derech eretz, in Mara. We ask similarly: kein techaneinu uselamdeinu so, too, favor us and teach us - the norms of derech eretz, so that we can be prepared to absorb Torah. Having asked for instruction in derech eretz we proceed to pray for enlightenment in Torah itself: Place in our hearts to understandEnlighten our eyes with Your Torah ... ...

R. Yanai and the Simpleton

We began with an excerpt from a Midrash which is the source of the rabbinic aphorism derech eretz kadma laTorah. The crux of the Midrash tells of an interaction between the great scholar R. Yanai and an anonymous wayfarer whom R. Yanai mistook as a scholar of equal rank and invited to his home to dine. The Midrash depicts the harsh reaction of R. Yanai upon his discovery that the man was ignorant of even the most rudimentary knowledge of Torah. But upon probing further into the background of this individual and becoming aware of his sterling character and lofty standards of derech eretz, R. Yanai experienced an epiphany: There is a story that R. Yanai when once walking in the road, saw a man who looked very distinguished and (R. Yanai) said to him:
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In a homiletic vein, the sweetening of the waters of Mara may symbolize the verse deracheha darchei noam her ways are ways of pleasantness (Mishlei 3:17), a concept which the Talmud employs in the interpretation of halacha (see, for example Sukkah 32a, Yevamos 15a and 87b). Interestingly, the therapeutic dimension of mitzvos emerges in the subsequent psukim which emphasize how a devotion to the study and practice of Hashems laws will shield one from the illnesses of Egypt ki ani Hashem rofecha - for I am Hashem your healer. See also the Rambans citation on the words vehayashar beeinav taaseh and do what is just in His eyes (15:26) as referring to one whose interpersonal dealings are characterized by integrity. 13
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Would you, Rabbi, care to accept my hospitality? He answered: Yes, . " . ? , whereupon he brought him to his house and entertained him with food . , and drink. He (R. Yanai) tested him (the guest) in [the knowledge of] , Scripture, and found [that he possessed] none, in Mishna, and found , , none, in Aggada, and found none, in Talmud, and found none. Then he . ", said to him: 'Take up [the wine cup of Birkas HaMazon] and recite .. ", Grace. The man answered: 'Let Yanai recite Grace in his own house! ", Said the Rabbi to him: ' Are you able to repeat what I say to you? ' 'Yes, ? ", . ", answered the man. Said R. Yanai: 'Say: A dog has eaten of Yanai's . bread. The man rose and caught hold of him, saying: 'You have my ", inheritance, which you are withholding from me! Said R. Yanai to ? . ", him: And what is this inheritance of yours which I have?' The man ", answered: Once I passed a school, and I heard the voice of the youngsters saying: The Law which Moses commanded us is the . inheritance of the congregation of Yaakov; it is written not The inheritance of the congregation of Yanai, but The inheritance of the , . " congregation of Yaakov. Said R. Yanai to the man: How have you ? merited to eat at my table?' The man answered: Never in my life have , I, after hearing evil talk, repeated it to the person spoken of, nor have I , ever seen two persons quarrelling without making peace between them. Said R. Yanai: ' That I should have called you dog, when you possess . ", such derech eretz!' !? Vayikra Rabba Chapter 9 (adapted from Soncino Translation) , Let us explore the message of this powerful anecdote by highlighting the contrast between its protagonists. On the one hand, R. Yanai, a man of enormous Torah knowledge, must certainly have felt betrayed and disappointed by the degree of his guests ignorance. Additionally, R. Yanais derisive description of his guest as a dog surely smacked of elitism, based as it was on the notion that one who is ignorant of Torah is unworthy of being sustained. The guest, for his part, exposed the hosts condescending attitude by invoking a pasuk which he happened to overhear from school children (though he had never studied himself) - Torah tziva lanu Moshe morasha kehilas Yaakov - from which he was able to intuit a basic truth which challenged the elitist assumption of his host. When R. Yanai probed this individuals background, he was genuinely moved to discover the incredible degree to which the latter, despite being ignorant of Torah, had managed to distinguish himself in the realm of derech eretz menschlichkeit. Clearly, this individuals heightened sensitivity for the feelings of others, and his incredible self-sacrifice in tirelessly promoting peace between people, were nothing short of legendary.8 How ironic it is
It was noted earlier that excellence in derech eretz presupposes some knowledge of Torah, as implied by the Mishnas statement: im ein Torah ein derech eretz. Perhaps the Mishnas assertion should be interpreted as a general rule, while the case of this individual represents a notable exception. Alternatively, the intent of the Mishna is that the issues and practice of derech eretz will not be readily sustained on a global level unless moored in a binding set of principles incorporated in the Torah. Otherwise moral relativism can be marshaled (as in post-modernism) to 14
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that while this individual was so solicitous of the feelings of others, the same can not be said about R. Yanai who had no compunctions about uttering a slur which the average listener would surely find offensive. To this individuals credit, and consistent with his sterling personality, he did not overreact. (In fact, the language of the Midrash in the first example that he reported about his conduct is la shemais mila bisha vechazarti lemara. According to some commentators, this refers to the fact that he endured insults without responding negatively in kind.) Rather than becoming embittered or disillusioned, he turned the situation into an opportunity to firmly chide his host and lead him to reconsider his elitist mindset.

Self-Evaluation: Knowing Where to Place the Dot

There is an additional twist in the Midrash which is equally fascinating. It concerns the pronunciation of a word which appears in the following verse in Tehilim (50): He who offers confession honors me; and one who orders [his] way, I will show him the salvation of G-d. .

The Midrash opens with the words vesam derech from the above verse, and cites the interpretation of R. Yanai, who, by way of changing the letter sin to a shin, rendering vesam he who orders [his way] into vesham he who evaluates [his way], observed the following: One who evaluates his way, is worth a lot. .

The Midrash uses this exegetical comment as a springboard for the anecdote of R. Yanai and the wayfarer and returns to it at the storys conclusion. When R. Yanai became aware of his guests greatness, he saw in him a personification of the message of this homily: He declared regarding him: One who evaluates his way, is worth a lot. .

Apparently, R. Yanai was inspired to this novel interpretation of the verse in Tehilim as a result of his encounter with this individual who exhibited an extraordinary sense of derech eretz. Interestingly, the Talmud cites another story involving the same R. Yanai which indicates how much he took to heart this particular interpretation of the words vesam derech: R. Yanai had a student who would ask him questions daily; on the Shabbos of the festival [when a large crowd assembled to hear the lecture] he did not ask. He [R. Yanai] attributed to him the verse vesam derech arenu beyesha Elokim. Moed Katan 5a - 5b , . : . : .-

There is an interesting story told about the Meshech Chochma (R. Meir Simcha of Dvinsk) in connection with this Gemara. One day R. Meir Simcha overheard an individual thoughtlessly shouting a question at a Rabbi who was in the midst of teaching Mishnayos to a group of people in shul. The teacher was stumped by the question and at a loss for words. Whereupon R. Meir
negate even the firmest of natural law postulates. This does not preclude the possibility of an individuals mastery of derech eretz principles, even while lacking a rudimentary knowledge of Torah. 15
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Simcha rose up and declared loudly: A man who does not differentiate between right and left will ask such a question! All those present assumed that the question was flawed and the teacher resumed teaching. Later, the questioner, who could not detect any faulty logic in his argument, approached R. Meir Simcha and demanded an explanation for the latters uncharacteristic outburst. R. Meir Simcha responded by citing the story from Tractate Moed Katan regarding the student who showed discretion about when to ask questions and R. Yanais comments applying to that student the pasuk vesam derech, rendered as vesham derech he who evaluates his way. As R. Yanais homiletical interpretation hinges on exchanging the sin (whose dot is on the left) with a shin (whose dot is on the right), it follows that this individual whose ill-timed questioning of the magid shiur revealed an utter lack of discretion could not possibly subscribe to R. Yanais interpretation; he did not differentiate between right and left.

Deciphering the Code in the Mara Episode

If we are correct in equating the lesson of derech eretz kadma laTorah with the chok umishpat of Mara, then it would not be surprising to find an allusion there to R. Yanais interpretation of vesam derech and the exegetical word play of sam- sham. Sure enough, the narrative of Mara yields precisely such a link: This pithy phrase contains three combination of shin/sin followed by a mem. First, the word sham (shin-mem); next, sam (sin-mem). These two words appear in succession, and are identical in all respects except for the position of the dot. This linguistic peculiarity seemingly alludes to a sin-shin letter exchange. How remarkable that this code appears in connection with the chok umishpat - decree and ordinance - that symbolize notions of derech eretz! The parallel to R. Yanais exposition of vesam derech/vesham derech is striking.9 Several words later this combination of letters recurs in the word vesham (shin-mem) of vesham nisahu. Perhaps this third allusion is necessary in order to unlock the shin-sin code alluded to previously in the words sham-sam (sham sam lo chok umishpat). Without this third combination (the kasuv hashelishi), it would be unclear which letter substitutes for which: whether the shin for a sin (as in R. Yanais exegesis) or the sin for a shin. By repeating the combination in a shin-mem format, we learn that the sin is to be exchanged with a shin rather than the reverse, in consonance with R. Yanais derivation. May we be blessed with the wisdom to discriminate right from left and internalize a true sense of derech eretz. May the Torah that we study reinforce these lessons and lead us to ever higher levels of derech eretz and beyond. May we merit, on Shavuos and throughout the year, to take the story of R. Yanai and its lessons to heart, and may it serve as an inspiration to us in our individual lives and in our communities.

It should be noted that sham in its literal meaning means there while R. Yanais sham relies on chazals definition which means evaluate. Nonetheless, in the spirit of leika midi dela remiza beoraisa (there is nothing to which the Torah does not allude to), the linguistic parallel certainly holds. 16
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