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    Chapter 5 · Mitzvot and study

    Is study greater, or action?

    Lesson 19 of 58 15 min

    In the attic of Beit Nitzah in Lod a great question was asked. Learn the debate and the ruling.

    Lesson goals
    • 01Read the debate between Rabbi Tarfon and Rabbi Akiva
    • 02Understand the ruling
    • 03Connect it to your own learning
    01

    The debate and the ruling

    Kiddushin 40b
    נענו כולם ואמרו: תלמוד גדול, שהתלמוד מביא לידי מעשה.

    Study is greater because it leads to action.

    1. 1Identify the two views
    2. 2Read the shared conclusion
    3. 3Explain why the reason connects study with action

    Rabbi Tarfon said: action is greater. Rabbi Akiva said: study is greater.

    Practice

    Write one thing you learned in this course and one action it leads you to.

    Lesson wrap-up

    Study leads to action. Complete the chapter and connect its conclusion to practice.

    Check your understanding

    Test yourself before marking the lesson complete.

    Question 1 of 2

    Who said “study is greater”?

    Previous lessonReward and responsibility for action
    Next lessonAgency - a bridge to the next chapter