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Why does the Mishna praise one who sits alone and is silent in Torah (תורה) study, when Torah is usually learned aloud? The shiur explains that 'yadom' means internalization rather than mere silence. Solitary Torah learning becomes powerful when we make ourselves receptive like inanimate objects, allowing the Rishonim to speak directly to us instead of filtering their words through our preferences.
This shiur examines the Mishna's teaching about 'yoshev badad v'yadom' - one who sits alone and is silent in Torah (תורה) study. The central thesis is that effective Torah learning requires internalization rather than selective filtering of knowledge. The discussion begins with the concept of silence in Torah learning, contrasting it with the usual understanding that Torah should be learned aloud. Using the example of 'Vayidom Aharon' from last week's parsha, where Aharon remained silent after his sons' death, the shiur explains that silence doesn't mean having nothing to say, but rather choosing to internalize rather than defend.
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Mishna discussing yoshev badad v'yadom yitol alav
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