Avot 6:1: On becoming Godly

By Rabbi Alan Yuter
Posted Monday, July 3, 2006

One who occupies himself with Torah for the sake of Torah, merits many things. Not only is the world become worthy because of this person, this person is called:

1. friend
2. beloved
3. lover of God
4. lover of humankind
5. gladdens God
6. gladdens humankind
7. his attire is modesty and religious awe
8. his reward is to be
1. right,
2. faithfully pious,
3. a stright shooter, and
4. trustworthy
9. and these qualities serve to distance him from unintentional sin,
10. and draw him to merit, and other benefit from him with
1. counsel,
2. wisdom
3. understanding,
4. and power, as Scripture teaches: "To Me [=God] is counsel, wisdom, to Me are understanding and power" (Proverbs 9)
11. and he is granted monarchy, the office of ruling, the ability to make judgment,
12. the secrets of Torah are revealed to him,
13. he becomes like a flowing fountain and a continuously flowing river [like the Holy Spirit inspiration]
14. And he becomes
1. modest
2. patient
3. his is not distressed with insult
4. and he is raised and exalted over creation

This Mishnah's structure reveals a double heptad, or double seven list. The first heptad refers to what this person is called, how is he known, and his impact upon others. The second heptad describes the reward that is his due.

By studying Torah, the record of God's values that Israel ought to adopt, one undergoes transformation from creature to creator. One creates one's own character And is according recognition from humans and God, not by inflating the ego, but by developing the character. This person's mental, interior disposition enriches the soul by enriching humankind

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