Chavruta

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The Divine Support for Study Partners

TALMUD

The practice of studying in pairs is a deep tradition in Jewish Torah scholarship. The Talmudic interpretation of Psalms 45:5 that Rabbi Yirmeya transmitted in the name of Rabbi Elazar emphasizes the divine rewards for collaborative Torah study.

Rabbi Yirmeya said that Rabbi Elazar said: Two Torah scholars who sharpen one another in halakha; the Holy One, Blessed be He, ensures success for them, as it is written: “And in your majesty [vahadarkha] prosper, ride on, in behalf of truth and meekness and righteousness; and let your right hand teach you tremendous things” (Psalms 45:5). The Sages said:
Do not read “and your majesty [vahadarkha],” rather, by changing some of the vocalization and the letters, read it as and He will sharpen you [veḥidedkha]…

Shabbat 63a:17

The Bond of Chavruta

COMMENTARY

The deep emotional bond between study partners in Jewish tradition is exemplified by Rabbi Yoḥanan's intense grief over losing his chavruta, Reish Lakish. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, in his commentary on the Torah portion 'Chukat,' explores the profound impact of losing a chavruta and the attempt to replace Reish Lakish with Rabbi Elazar b. Pedat.

R. Yoḥanan grieved for him so much that the other sages feared for his health. They decided that he needed another study partner, and sent him R. Elazar b. Pedat, known for his expertise in Jewish law. This is how the passage continues:

Covenant and Conversation; Numbers; The Wilderness Years, Chukat, Love in the End 20

Relatedראו גם

Rabbi Shimon b. Lakish

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