Pirkei Avot Five outstanding students of Rabban Yochanan ben Zakkai are described. To focus on two of those descriptions - Rabbi Eliezer b. Hyrkanos is called a plastered cistern, which doesn't lose a drop; and Rabbi Elazar b. Arach is called a gushing spring. Note that both images relate to water. This is appropriate because Torah is analogous to water. The mishna continues with very high praise for Rabbi Eliezer, because of his great retentive powers and memory. Rabbi Elazar, however, is given the highest praise. A cistern holds water and makes it available for anyone who takes the effort to dip in and draw water from it. But a live spring "enthusiastically" gushes forth with water, blessing all in its vicinity. The scholar with a similar personality and approach to Torah will usually be the better, more inspiring teacher. [The Matot - Mas'ei Homepage] |
