Julian Ungar-Sargon

  • Home
  • Theological Essays
  • Healing Essays
  • Podcast
  • Poetry
  • Daf Ditty
  • Deep Dive Ditty
  • Videos
  • Publications
  • Military Service
  • Dominican University
  • Home
  • Theological Essays
  • Healing Essays
  • Podcast
  • Poetry
  • Daf Ditty
  • Deep Dive Ditty
  • Videos
  • Publications
  • Military Service
  • Dominican University
Julian Ungar-Sargon copy 3.jpg

Daf Ditty

A wide-ranging commentary on the daily page of Talmud.

Nedarim 36: Reward for Teaching

jyungar November 30, 2022

For the source text click/tap here: Nedarim 36

To download, click/tap here: PDF 

One who vowed not to provide any benefit to his fellow is not allowed to teach him Torah; however, he is allowed to teach him the moral lessons and stories about the Torah (Midrash), as well as teach Torah to his sons and daughters.

Basically, why should Torah be taught for free?

Moses said, "Look, I taught you the Torah, for free, just as God commanded me," - and you should also teach for free.

Then if so, why is teaching Torah considered a benefit, which one should not confer on his fellow if he vowed against him? -

We mean teaching the written Torah, and their one takes money for teaching the melody, not the words.

Alternatively, the art of reading the written Torah is usually taught to small children, and one receives money for being their babysitter rather than teacher. Moral lesson are for adults though, and there one cannot take the reward.

We explore the ramifications of teaching Torah and the need for supporting teachers.

Tags31st
  • Daf Ditty
  • Older
  • Newer

Julian Ungar-Sargon

This is Julian Ungar-Sargon's personal website. It contains poems, essays, and podcasts for the spiritual seeker and interdisciplinary aficionado.​