[Avodah] Derech Eretz Kadmah L'Torah

[Moshe Y. Gluck]

Brought over from Areivim:
MYG:
> Tana D'bei Eliyahu Rabbah (1:1): Melamed Shederech Eretz Kadmah L'eitz
> HaChayim, V'ein Eitz HaChayim Ela Torah... (Courtesy of Michlol
> Hamamarim
> V'hapigomim, which lists this (as well as R' SBA's Vayikra Rabbah) as
> the
> source for Derech Eretz Kadmah L'Torah.)
> >>
R' SBA:
> I presume that you are agreeing with me that there is no such a Chazal
> ("Derech Eretz Kodmo LaTorah"). In any case DE refers to earning a
> living
> and not 'manners'.
> 
> It seems to me that someone took the above Midrash and used is as a
> 'melitzeh'
> to give mussar about 'mentchlich behaviour' - and it was repeated that
> often
> that it became an accepted 'maamar Chazal'.

I'm not agreeing with you. Although the words aren't there as precisely as
they are quoted, it is close enough. And as far as the translation of Derech
Eretz is concerned, Mishpat U'Tzedakah (from R' Yaakov Meir Fischer)
translates it as manners. Rimzei Eish translates it as Inyan Zivug, and
interprets it Kabbalisticaly. Tosfos Ben yechiel interprets it as the Derech
to Eretz Yisroel, and Al Pi Peshuto, like you said, earning a living. Tuvei
Chaim translates it as good manners (Middos Tovos). Me'orei Eish says
working for a living. Maaneh Eliyahu says good manners. Ramasayim Tzofim
says it is the Olam Ha'asiyah. The Yiddish translation (Vilna, 1880)
translates it as good Middos.

KT,
MYG