Work vs Learning: Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai's Path of Divine Reliance

Full Summary

This shiur explores one of the fundamental debates in Jewish thought regarding the balance between Torah (תורה) study and worldly pursuits. The discussion centers on the dispute between Rabbi Yishmael, who advocates combining Torah study with derech eretz (worldly occupation), and Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, who argues for complete reliance on Divine providence through exclusive Torah devotion. The Rav analyzes Rashi (רש"י)'s commentary explaining that Rabbi Yishmael's position is not that work itself is a mitzvah (מצוה), but rather a necessity to avoid bittul Torah (neglect of Torah study) that would result from having to beg for sustenance. The shiur delves deeply into what Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai means by 'Bnei Aliyah' (people of ascent) - those who live in the upper spiritual realm rather than being bound by natural law. This relates to the concept of tzaddik gamor versus tzaddik she'eino gamor - the complete versus incomplete righteous person. The complete tzaddik lives in the reality of Torah itself, which operates above nature (l'maalah min hateva), while the incomplete tzaddik remains subject to the natural order. The discussion incorporates the famous story of Rabbi Chanina ben Dosa and the venomous snake, explaining that for such individuals, miracles become their natural state (teva). The Rav explains that Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai's approach doesn't negate all forms of hishtadlut (effort), but rather eliminates the need for parnasah-related efforts since Torah learning itself creates the person's reality. The shiur connects this to the experience of Klal Yisrael in the desert, where they lived above natural law through Torah, receiving manna and miraculous water. The Rambam (רמב"ם)'s description of the Torah scholar as being 'set apart in the Holy of Holies' illustrates how such a person transcends physical limitations while still maintaining bodily needs that Hashem (ה׳) provides miraculously. The conclusion suggests that while most people should follow Rabbi Yishmael's path, there exists the possibility for rare individuals to achieve Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai's level of complete Divine reliance.