Subject: In Memory of Baruch Yitzchak ben Yirmiyahu (Barry Pessin)
From: Heath Berkin <heath.berkin@gmail.com>
Date: 5/20/2016, 7:19 AM
To: Heath Berkin <heath.berkin@gmail.com>
BCC: menachem@alonsystems.com
The Mishna in Avos (3;17) says that anyone whose knowledge surpasses his deeds is like a tree with weak roots; a small wind can come and knock over the tree. But someone whose deeds surpass his knowledge is like a large tree with strong roots; even the strongest winds cannot topple such a tree.
The Mishna is telling us how important actual deeds are as opposed to just knowledge. If a person doesn't practice what he knows then he can easily be toppled by the winds of life.
It was in the merit of this understanding that we received the Torah and as we will soon IY'H celebrate on Shavuos.The Jewish People with one heart said "we will do and we will listen". They understood that their actions take priority to their knowledge. Obviously a person needs to study and understand what G-d wants from him, but the Torah was given not to just study but to actually put into practice.