by J. Edward Wright
My friendship with Israel was based on our shared devotion to learning, and Israel had a passion for learning.
Israel in my classes-"I don't think my Chasidic friends would agree with that!"
Israel and SW Jewish Archives-"People need to know this stuff or at least have access to it."
Israel and Sekhel ve Lev-"We need to create a learning event for adults in the middle of the day."
In other words, Israel embodied what we at the University call "a commitment to lifelong learning." Barbara told me a while back, "Everything he did with learning he schlepped me along with him!" Well, he did schlep Barbara along, and I for one am thankful that he did! Beyond this, in a way he schlepped many others along in his passion for learning, and we are all better for it.
Israel's legacy, therefore, is indeed one of Tikkun Olam. He not only sought to repair the world in his day, but by his commitment to learning ensured that there would be others to carry the torch in his absence.
Selections from Avot Chapter 6 , "Qinyan Torah." The Acquisition of Torah
Rabbi Meir said: The person who occupies himself/herself with the study of the Torah for its own sake merits many things, and moreover, he/she is deserving of the whole world. This person is called friend, beloved, lover of God, lover of humanity. It (Torah) clothes such a person with humility and reverence and fits him/her to become righteous, holy, upright, and faithful. It keeps such a person far from sin and brings him/her near to virtue. From such a person people enjoy counsel and sound knowledge, understanding and might, for it is written, Counsel is mine, and sound knowledge; I am understanding, I have might (Prov 8:14). And it (Torah) gives him/her kingship and dominion, and discernment in judgment. To such a person are revealed the secrets of Torah, and he/she is made like a never-failing spring and a river that flows ever more mightily. Such a person becomes modest, longsuffering, and forgiving of insult. It magnifies him/her and exalts him/her above all things.
Rabbi José ben Kisma said: I was once walking by the way and a man met me and greeted me and I returned his greeting. He asked me, "Rabbi, where are you from?" I answered, "I come from a great city of sages and scribes." The man said to me, "If you will stay with us in our place, I will give you a million golden dinars and precious stones and pearls." I answered, "Even if you gave me all the silver, gold, precious stones, and pearls in the world I would not stay except in a place of Torah." For thus it is written in the Psalms of David, king of Israel, The Torah of your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of gold and silver (Ps 119:72). Moreover, at the time of death, neither silver nor gold nor precious stones nor pearls go with anyone, but only knowledge of Torah and good deeds. For thus it is written, "When you walk, it shall lead you; when you sleep, it shall watch over you; and when you awake, it shall talk with you (Prov 6:22). What does this mean? "When you walk, it shall lead you-in this world. When you sleep, it shall watch over you-in the grave. And when you awake, it shall talk with you-in the world to come.
May his memory be a blessing.
