Fill The World With The Light Of Torah

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Chapter 6 Mishnah 1: The sages expounded in the language of the Mishnah (blessed is He who chose them and their learning):

Rabbi Meir would say: Whoever studies Torah for Torah's sake alone, merits many things; not only that, but [the creation of] the entire world is worthwhile for him alone. He is called friend, beloved, lover of G‑d, lover of humanity, rejoicer of G‑d, rejoicer of humanity. The Torah enclothes him with humility and awe; makes him fit to be righteous, pious, correct and faithful; distances him from sin and brings him close to merit. From him, people enjoy counsel and wisdom, understanding and power, as is stated (Proverbs 8:14): "Mine are counsel and wisdom, I am understanding, mine is power." The Torah grants him sovereignty, dominion, and jurisprudence. The Torah's secrets are revealed to him, and he becomes as an ever-increasing wellspring and as an unceasing river. He becomes modest, patient and forgiving of insults. The Torah uplifts him and makes him greater than all creations. 

This chapter of Pirkei Avos is called Kinyan Torah, Acquiring Torah. It is not part of the Mishnah that was compiled and canonized by Rabbi Yehuda Hanasi, it is Beraisa, which was taught outside of Rabbi Yehuda Hanasi's Academy. And because it was accepted by the Jewish people, it is considered part of Pirkei Avos and holds the weight of Mishnah. 

This chapter is always read on the Shabbos before Shavuoth. Why was it set up in a way that on the first five Shabbosim between Pesach and Shavuoth we read Mishnah and on the Shabbos before Shavuoth we read Beraisa? 

Torah has two extremes. On one hand, it is the wisdom and will of Hashem, on the other hand, it comes down into the physical world and touches even the most mundane parts of our lives. And it remains in its perfection even when it comes down into the lowest possible place. 

Beraisa, is what was taught outside of Rabbi Yehuda Hanasi's Academy, it was taught by the same people as the Mishnah and at the same time, therefore it is considered the same as Mishnah. Because it is "outside," it permeates the "outside," the lowest possible place. 

With every generation we become more and more "outside," the darkness of the world becomes greater and greater, lower and lower levels are revealed and we can permeate them with the light of Torah. 

Every one of us has a part in Torah, the greatest to those who feel that they are "outside" G-d forbid. We all have to know that we have the power to make a difference in the world, fill it with the light of Torah and make a home for Hashem in the lowest possible place. And by doing this you fulfill Hashem's deepest desire. And this is by definition the time of Moshiach, when the whole world will be filled with the light of Torah, the light of Hashem. 

This is what Shavuoth is all about, the giving of the Torah from above to this lowly world, and the mission was given to us to fill the world with the light of Torah, even in the lowest levels. 

And that is why we specifically read Beraisa before Shavuoth. One of the reasons that we read Pirkei Avos between Pesach and Shavuoth is to prepare for receiving the Torah on Shavuoth. The essence of receiving the Torah is to take it "outside," to the lowest possible place. And if we do that, we will surely merit the coming of Mashiach. May he come soon. 

Dedicated to our daughter Mussie, who celebrates her birthday this week. May you have the best year.