Words of Torah like fire

Rabbah bar bar Chanah: why are Torah words compared to fire, as it says "Is not My word like fire"? To teach: as fire does not burn alone, so Torah words do not endure with one alone. Study with a partner sustains Torah.

1. 1Restate the source in your own words.
2. 2Identify the central distinction and explain its significance.
3. 3Apply the distinction in the exercise without adding a ruling absent from the source.

1. 01·Mishnah / BaraitaTaanit 7a

   מָה אֵשׁ אֵינוֹ דּוֹלֵק יְחִידִי, אַף דִּבְרֵי תוֹרָה אֵין מִתְקַיְּימִין בִּיחִידִי.

   The Gemara opens with a statement of Rabbah bar bar Chanah: words of Torah are compared to fire, which cannot burn alone.

2. 02·RayaTaanit 7a

   Rabbi Yosei bar Chanina brings proof from the verse that one who studies alone becomes foolish and errs.

3. 03·The Gemara asksTaanit 7a

   Rav Nachman bar Yitzchak asks: why are the words of Torah compared to a tree in the verse 'It is a tree of life'?

4. 04·TerutzTaanit 7a

   He answers that just as a small piece of wood ignites a large one, so junior disciples sharpen their masters.

5. 05·RayaTaanit 7a

   The Gemara brings support from Rabbi Chanina, who testified that he learned most of all from his disciples.

6. 06·Conclusion of the sugyaTaanit 7a

   The Gemara concludes that Torah study endures only through companionship and reciprocal engagement between students and teachers.