Saturday, September 29, 2012

Reshit Chochma - Brakhot 55

"R. Johanan said: The Holy One, blessed be He, gives wisdom only to one who already has wisdom"

If this is true - then where do we start in attaining Wisdom?! Birkot haShachar helps with the instruction that 'ראשית הכמה יראת ה'. If that's true, and R. Yochanan's statement here is also true, than Yirat Hashem isn't really Wisdom, but is literally the 'beginning of Wisdom.' So often in Judaism we have to do before we understand (נאשה ונשמע) and this is a great example. If you desire Wisdom, don't look for it, but instead cultivate genuine Awe of God. If you do, then you'll merit receiving wisdom and retroactively be counted among the wise.


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