עברית
Faith
Regarding "Derech Eretz Precedes the Torah"
Question
What is the source for the saying: "Derech Eretz precedes the Torah," and what does it mean?
Thank you
Answer
Hello,
There is a source for this in the words of the Midrash Vayikra Rabbah (parashah 9, section 3). Rabbi Yishmael bar Rav Nachman said: Twenty-six generations did Derech Eretz precede the Torah, as it is written, "to keep the way of the tree of life." "The way" refers to Derech Eretz, and then "the tree of life" refers to the Torah. Derech Eretz means good character traits, as the Etz Yosef commentary there explains.
With blessings, Hillel Meirs
