[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'.

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

SBA: 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.
>>

I discussed this with our rav today and he told me bepashtus that indeed DE
in that TDER refers to manners/midos (no less than parnosso etc).

He explained the statement that DE preceded Torah by 26 generations means
that even before the Torah was given certain - later announced 'mitzvos'
-were expected to be kept, ie mitzvos sichliyos, eg, kibud av vo'em.

Thinking about this, I have decided that he is correct and thus my inclusion
of 'DE kodmo leTorah' into the phantom maamorei Chazal list is herewith
cancelled...

SBA