Kiddushin, Daf Peh Bet, Part 6

 

רבי נהוראי אומר מניח אני כל אומנות וכו’ תניא רבי נהוראי אומר מניח אני כל אומנות שבעולם ואיני מלמד את בני אלא תורה שכל אומנות שבעולם אין עומדת לו אלא בימי ילדותו אבל בימי זקנותו הרי הוא מוטל ברעב אבל תורה אינה כן עומדת לו לאדם בעת ילדותו ונותנת לו אחרית ותקוה בעת זקנותו בעת ילדותו מהו אומר (ישעיהו מ, לא) וקוי ה’ יחליפו כח יעלו אבר כנשרים בזקנותו מהו אומר (תהלים צב, טו) עוד ינובון בשיבה דשנים ורעננים יהיו

 

R. Nehorai said: I abandon every trade etc.

It was taught: R. Nehorai said: I abandon all trade in the world and teach my son only Torah, for every trade in the world stands for a man only in his youth, but in his old age he is left hungry. But the Torah is not so: it stands by him in his youth and gives him a future and hope in his old age. Of the time of his youth what does it say? But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall grown new pinions like eagles (Isaiah 4:31). Of his old age what is said? They shall still bring forth fruit in old age, they shall be full of sap and richness (Psalms 92:15).

 

The masechet concludes with this poignant note about Torah study. This is essentially what R. Nehorai said in the mishnah, so you can look there for more commentary. In short, professions are fleeting things. They provide us with a livelihood when one can still perform them, but afterwards, when one is done, what is left. There are things in life, such as family, community and Torah study, which define a person and as such, stand for him/her in one s old age.

 

הדרן עלך עשרה יוחסין וסליקא מסכת קידושין

 

May we return to you chapter ten lineages and this is the conclusion of Tractate Kiddushin.

 

Congratulations! You finished the entire masechet! What an amazing achievement of dedication to learning.

Next week we begin learning Bava Kamma. It will certainly be a challenge. But keep up with your diligence and dedication and together in about two years, we ll finish that one too.