The rabbis come round to discussing the importance of recital of the Shema vs carrying out mitzvot.
There are (at least) two issues at stake here:
1) Being in the right frame of mind (for the Rabbis: accepting the kingdom of heaven) before setting out to act.
2) What is primary – words or actions?
Are the rabbis self-critiquing here – recognising that they spend their days talking while the exile continues and their discussions bring the redemption no further? Or is this proof of Martin Buber’s position that Rabbinic Judaism is actually similar to Buddhism and other religious traditions which have their origins in the Indian sub-continent in that the concept of enlightenment – knowledge of deep meaning is in itself a path to redemption?
Perhaps there is truth in both. We must both walk the walk as we talk the talk – but the pursuit of truth is a walk in and of itself.
May we all be blessed to walk in the ways of truth.
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