SATURDAY PRAYER: TIFERET-YESHIVAT HAVERIM יְשִׁיבָה חברים – BABYLONIAN TALMUD p118

READING: BETWEEN MIDNIGHT AND DAWN OF SATURDAY

R. Jeremiah in the name of R. Elazar said: Two scholars who debate in the Law (not for
controversy’s sake), the Holy One, blessed be He, causes them to prosper; moreover, they
become exalted, for it is written [Psalms, xlv. 5], “be prosperous.” But lest one say that this
would be the case even if they (debate), not for the purpose (of studying the Law), therefore it
says further [ibid., ibid.], “because of truth.” Again, one might say that the same would be the
case even if one became arrogant and conceited. Therefore it says further [ibid., ibid.], “and
meekness and righteousness.” And if they act humbly they will be rewarded with (the
knowledge of) the Law, which was given with the right hand (of God), as it is further written
[ibid.], “and thy right hand shall teach thee fearful things.”
R. Na’hman b. Itz’hak says they will be rewarded with the knowledge of what is said of the right
hand of the Law, for Rabha b. R. Shila, according to others R. Joseph b. Hama in the name of R.
Shesheth, said: How is to be explained the passage [Proverbs, iii. 16]: “Length of days is in her
right hand; and in her left riches and honor”? Shall one say that in the right hand is only length
of days, but not riches and honor? Common sense does not dictate so; therefore it must be
interpreted thus: For those who study the Torah in the right way there is long life, and so much
the more riches and honor; but for those who study it not in the right way, riches and honor there
may be, but not long life.
Said R. Jeremiah in the name of R. Simeon b. Lakish: Two scholars who quietly discourse on
the Torah among themselves, the Holy One, blessed be He, hearkens unto them and listens to
their desires, for it is written [Malachi, iii. 16]: “Then conversed they that fear the Lord one with
the other,” etc. Conversed means conversed quietly, as it is written [in Psalms, xlvii. 4]: “He will
subdue (quiet) people under us.” (Subdue and converse are expressed by the same terms in the
two passages, hence the similitude. 1) What is meant by the words “that thought upon His
name”? Said R. Ami: “Even when one intended to observe a commandment, but was accidentally prevented and could not accomplish it, it is credited to him as if he had actually observed it.” Thus the passage “thought upon His name” is interpreted.