[Shimon] Ben Azzai was a student of R. Tarfon and R. Yehoshua before becoming an extremely dedicated student of R. Akiva. His opinions are often quoted, and his love for Torah was so great that he did not want to interrupt its study even to raise a family. He died as a result of "entering the orchard" and seeking too much mystical enlightenment.
Notable Sources
All Sources
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The Perils of Divine Enlightenment
TOSEFTA
The tale of Ben Azzai and the sages delving into the orchard illustrates the mystical and perilous quest for divine enlightenment. Tosefta Chagigah details the experiences of four sages who entered the 'orchard' (Pardes), emphasizing the hazards and consequences of profound, esoteric study.
A Precious Death
MUSAR
The death of Ben Azzai, like the death of Aaron's sons, was seen as precious in the eyes of the Lord because it resulted from a deep spiritual connection to God, not from sin. In his 17th-century work, Shenei Luchot HaBerit, Rabbi Isaiah Horowitz explores the profound spiritual significance of Ben Azzai's death, comparing it to the deaths of Nadav and Avihu.
Navigating Mystical Experiences
KABBALAH
Mystical experiences can be both enlightening and dangerous, requiring discernment to distinguish between pure and impure spiritual influences. Rabbi Chaim Vital, a primary disciple of the Arizal, discusses the importance of spiritual vigilance and strengthening one's service to HaShem in his Kabbalistic work, Sha'arei Kedusha.
Ben Azzai's Scholarly Reign
REFERENCE
Ben Azzai was so highly regarded in Rabbi Akiba’s academy that he sometimes took precedence over Rabbi Akiba himself in debates. Gershom Bader’s biographical account provides insight into the life and intellectual contributions of Shimon ben Azzai, a prominent disciple of Rabbi Akiba.
The Chain Reaction of Mitzvot
COMMENTARY
Once you start performing mitzvot (commandments), it becomes easier and more habitual, leading to spiritual growth. Rabbeinu Yonah Gerondi, a 13th-century Spanish rabbi, elaborates on Ben Azzai's teaching in Pirkei Avot, emphasizing the natural progression from one mitzvah to another.
The Interconnectedness of Commandments
COMMENTARY
Each commandment has its own distinct function and place, and performing one naturally leads to performing another. In his commentary on Pirkei Avot, the Maharal of Prague explains the unique and interconnected nature of each commandment.
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