לזכות גבריאלה עדינה בת שולמית חנה ודינה ברכה בת אסתר הדסה לבריאות השלימה.
 

 

Why have so many important Rabbonim in history sat in judgment as judges? Wouldn't it be better for them to sit and learn. Instead of deciding who owes who money or adjudicating a divorce - they can instead sit and learn. There is always more to learn. Isn't it Bittul Torah?? 

 

Not only that but judges often have to hear the about the ugliest and most abhorrent form of [un]human behavior. So instead of going into the gutter of people's financial, sexual and many other types of immoral and unethical behavior, they should instead immerse themselves in the holy world of Hashem's Torah.

 

The answer is that Torah is not merely an academic pursuit or even a purely spiritual one. Torah is "Toras Chaim". A Torah of REAL LIFE. Not just abstract pilpul and hairsplitting but a real life guide to living according to the will of Hashem. 

 

In that spirit, Rav Ami and Rav Asi would sit between the pillars, alluding to the fact that the world stands on the pillars of justice, truth and peace [אבות א' י"ח], and learn Torah. The Torah is intended to aid in the proliferation of those pillars in the world. 

 

They would interrupt their learning periodically and knock on the bolt of the door and and say: "If there is someone who has a case that requires judgment, let him enter and come before us." Indicating that just as the bolt goes through the door, so to does our Torah penetrate into the real world. Talmidei Chachomim are not supposed to only sit in the "ivory tower" of pure immersion in Torah [even though that has its time and place as well] but instead make themselves available to help bring the lessons and laws of the Torah into peoples lives.

This is not only NOT Bittul Torah but is in fact the highest fulfillment of Torah. 

 

This explains how so many Rabbonim who were incredibly diligent learners would set aside time to judge their fellow Jews. This idea can be expanded to include not only the Dinei Torah that the Gemara discusses but to all forms of help and guidance that Talmidei Chachomim can provide for the masses. That is why we so Gedolim who make so much time to receive people and give them brachos, advice, guidance, encouragement, whatever they need. I am awe-struck by the self sacrifice that this requires on a daily basis. What psychologists do for a substantial amount of money - they do for free [and are often more helpful....].  Not only that but they often compromise their own privacy and comfort as their homes are transformed into a public thoroughfare. Amazing!!! מי כעמך ישראל!!!