מסורת סייג לתורה

Moadim Lesimcha-

There is a Mishna in Pirkei Avot in the name of Rabbi Akiva that says, מסורת סייג לתורה. We generally translate מסורת as “tradition.” The statement would then be that tradition is a fence or protection for the Torah.

There is a very important lesson to be learned from this teaching of Rabbi Akiva. When one studies a book of Torah, he should not see it as merely trying to fulfill the Mitzva of learning Torah.

He should see himself as connecting to this chain that began on Mount Sinai with Moshe Rabbeinu, and continued with the prophets and judges, to the Tannaim and Amoraim, to the Rishonim and Acharonim.

When one sees his own Torah study in the context of this chain, it has a definite impact on his study. He realizes that he cannot stray too far, and he must do his part to continue that chain through his children and grandchildren.

This also explains why Rabbi Akiva and the other nine martyrs were able to give their lives for the sanctification of Hashem’s name, with the confidence that future generations will carry on their teachings, and keep the chain of tradition going. This is now clear why the Mishna says, מסורת סייג לתורה.