Chapter 2, Mishnah 12: Rabbi Yossi would say, ... Perfect yourself in order to prepare for the study of Torah, for it is not an inheritance to you ...
The Simple Explanation
Our Mishnah teaches that even if Torah study is part of one's family legacy, one should not expect it to come easily. Rather, one must exert oneself to acquire Torah. In fact, the Talmud teaches us that "if one is himself a scholar, and his son is a scholar, and his son's son is a scholar as well, the Torah will never cease from his descendants." In fact, the Talmud goes on to say that "the Torah seeks its home." This would seem to imply that Torah is indeed an inheritance. However, the Mishnah is teaching that the only way to gain knowledge of Torah is by toiling in it.
Difficulties in Understanding the Mishnah
The Tifferes Yisroel asks that we find that "the Torah which Moshe commanded us is an inheritance of the house of Yaakov." We see clearly in the Torah itself that it is an inheritance. How can the Mishnah write that "it is not an inheritance for you?"
The Explanation
There are various aspects of the bond between Jews and Torah. Torah is indeed an inheritance, as quoted above. As such, it is the property of every Jew, without exception. An inheritance does not depend on the circumstances or the age of the one who receives it. Even a newborn baby can acquire property through inheritance. That is why each Jew, without exception, is obligated to study Torah.
There is another aspect, which is called a sale, as we find that "the Holy One blessed be He said to the Jews, 'I have sold you My Torah.'" This refers to the acquisition of the knowledge of Torah. To make a purchase, one must pay something in exchange for the object being bought. The same is true of Torah knowledge; the only way to achieve this is by exerting oneself with great effort.
It is regarding this aspect that the Mishnah states, "It is not an inheritance for you." We cannot expect to inherit Torah knowledge. We must use our minds to delve into the Torah and understand it, each of us to the best of our ability.
Adapted from the Sichah of the Second Day of Shavuos, 5724
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. See his commentary to our Mishnah.
. Parshas Berochoh, Devorim 33:4.
. See Midrash, Shemos Rabbah 33, 1.
. See Likkutei Sichos there at length, where a third aspect of acquiring Torah is discussed, that of a present. There are parts of Torah which transcend our understanding. These we cannot purchase. We can only attain them as a present from Hashem.
