Torah Street

In Proverbs, a biblical book of conventional advice delivered with drama, Wisdom is personified as a woman. In the first chapter, she runs out into the streets shouting at “simpletons who love oversimplification, scorners who delight in mockery, and fools who hate knowledge” (Proverbs 1:22). I’m sure she has shown up at some of the same protests you have, marching in the streets full of indignation at the cruel and arrogant and existentially foolish behavior of so many in power right now.

When the rabbis read Proverbs, they identify Wisdom with Torah. While searching commentaries on this week’s Torah portion, I stumbled across an intriguing rabbinic tale about Wisdom / Torah in the streets, which I’d like to explore with you here (from the midrashic collection Tanchuma, Bechukotai 3:1).

“Wisdom shouts for joy in the street; in the squares she raises her voice.” (Mishlei / Proverbs 1:20)

Rabbi Shmuel bar Nachman questioned Rabbi Yonatan ben Elazar, when he was standing in the market. 

Rabbi Shmuel said to Rabbi Yonatan, “Recite one chapter (of Mishnah) for me.” 

Rabbi Yonatan said to him, “Go to the house of study, and I will recite it for you there.” 

He said to him, “Rabbi, did you not teach me (Proverbs 1:20), ‘Wisdom shouts for joy in the street?’” 

He said to him, “You know how to read (Scripture), but you do not know how to recite (Mishnah). What is the meaning of ‘Wisdom shouts for joy in the street?’ In the street of Torah. In the case of a pearl, where is it sold? In [its] street. In the case of jewels and pearls, where are they sold? In the known place. They are not brought to the owners of vegetables, onions and garlic, but rather to the place of merchants. Simply in [its] street. Similarly Torah is said in the street [of Torah], as stated, ‘Wisdom shouts for joy in the street; in the squares she raises her voice.’” 

And what is the meaning of “in the squares (rechovot)?” In the place where one amplifies (rachav) it. And where do they amplify it? In the synagogues and in the study halls. Therefore it is stated “in the squares she raises her voice.”

I like to picture Rabbi Shmuel eagerly asking his teacher to share some knowledge while they wait at the 3rd-century equivalent of a taco truck at the local farmer’s market. Only for Rabbi Yonatan to shut him down with what I can only imagine is a “sick rabbinic burn”: “You know how to read, but do you know how to recite?” In other words, you only think you know what that verse you cited means, but actually it means something else entirely! 

And then, this insightful advice: “Don’t try to sell pearls at the garlic stand…” 

The thrust of this story suggests that the proper place of Torah learning is at the beit midrash, where the physical structure of the building mirrors an intentionality about what takes place within it. Just like a shop is set up in a way conducive to its specific business, the “street of Torah” is a place designed for study, and by inhabiting purposeful space Torah study is amplified, or more literally widens. Strikingly, instead of being confined in place, having a proper place expands Torah! 

If you’ve ever had a reading nook, meditation corner, exercise area, special park bench, etc. where you could preserve intentionality in physical space, you know how potent a particular place can be. In contrast, spaces where a lot of different activities are happening invite disruption, distraction, and dissipation.  

But there’s a paradox in the story. By telling Rabbi Shmuel why he doesn’t want to teach Torah “in the streets”, Rabbi Yonatan ends up…teaching Torah! The lesson we learn comes from a marketplace conversation. What are we to make of that? 

And there’s another layer of paradox - this story was probably told as part of a sermon or lecture in a synagogue or beit midrash! 

And you, where are you as you read it? At home, a coffee shop…? 

What this little rabbinic tale generates is an awareness of the tidal push-pull of where Torah happens. Sometimes in the wide and deep spaces meant for Torah, sometimes in the spontaneous and unexpected moments of life, at the intersection of the street of Torah and the highway of life.

At Kavana, Torah is likely to be found joyously singing at our Song Circle or joining passionately at our Tzedek (Justice) Circle or sipping coffee deep in conversation at a farmer’s market, as well as unfolding expansively at our monthly Shabbat minyan. 

I’ll leave you with two questions for reflection:

Where do you most like to learn / engage with Jewish tradition?

Where have you been surprised to find yourself learning Torah or doing something Jewish? 

Shabbat shalom!

Rabbi Jay LeVine