[Avodah] Derech Eretz Kadmah L'Torah

[SBA]

From: "Moshe Y. Gluck" < >
> 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'.

I'm not agreeing with you. Although the words aren't there as precisely as
they are quoted, it is close enough.

In such cases - where a 'pisgom' is so widespread and quoted in seforim of
old as a Chazal - I think close enough is not good 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.

Pardon? 
Are those that translate it as middos and manners - refer to the TDER?

SBA