In Pirkei Avos Misha 2:15 it says that the day is short and the work is much, the workers are lazy , the reward is great and the master is pressing...
The workers being lazy should have been mentioned last. Even though the pay is good and time is short and the master is watching and wants more producion the workers are lazy.
Usually workers are lazy for one of two things; either the pay is bad or the boss isn't watching. Rabbi Tarfon is telling us here both reasons don't apply. There is a lot to be done in a short period of time and the workers are lazy even though the pay is good and even though the master is observing and pushing for more by puishing non-performance of Torah and Mitzvos.
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In Ethics of our fathers(Pirkei Avos) Chapter 2:13, Rabbi Eliezer says that a good eye is the good path to which a man must cling.
We are taught that one should not be jealous and this is whats being implied here, the good eye is not the evil eye which is one of jeaousy. We should look at what others have in the physical and be happy for them and not desire it, we should desire what we have. We are taught earlier in Ethics of our fathers that a rich person is one who is happy with their portion in the world and doesn't complain about what they "lack".
A question is asked, can one be jealous of the Torah knowledge of another? Seemingly this would be a good thing as it might lead the person to study harder to reach higher. The Chiddushei HaRim(1st Gerre Rebbe 1799-1866) said that one should not be envious of someone elses knowledge of Torah or their righteousness just like one should not envy the material matters of another.
A question is asked, can one be jealous of the Torah knowledge of another? Seemingly this would be a good thing as it might lead the person to study harder to reach higher. The Chiddushei HaRim(1st Gerre Rebbe 1799-1866) said that one should not be envious of someone elses knowledge of Torah or their righteousness just like one should not envy the material matters of another.
In Pirkei Avos Chapter 2 Mishna 2 it brings down a statement from the famous Rabban Gamliel who was the son of Rabbi Yehuda HaNassi(Judah the prince who compiled the Mishna) that it is good to combine Torah study with an occupation. He also mentions Torah without employment will in the end cease. Whats the reason for this?
When a person accepts employment they also accept all the rules of that company, he/she must arrive on time, not waste time etc.. The same applies to Torah, we must be diligent with our studies, be strict with our starting time and schedule and with total dedication. If we think along those lines then our studies shall be met with success.
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