[Avodah] Gra on men taking care of babies

[Ben Waxman]

My apologies to the group. I quoted from memory something that I read years
ago and was not accurate.

I saw the quote originally in Rabbi Lamm's book, Torah Lishmah. In his
footnotes he cited the Gra on Mishlei 6:8 where the Gra discusses learning
Torah. One can't allow  worries about his wife and children to interfere
with his learning (I read the commentary this afternoon and I hope that I am
quoting it accurately now).

What I referred to in my previous email was a something else in the book and
I quote:

"Rav Joseph Zundel, the student of Rav Hayyim, quotes the Gaon to the effect
that determined men, resolute in their faith, will engage in Torah and
mitzvot by and by night, even if there is no bread in the house, and remain
oblivious even to their children who cry for food; nothing will distract
them from their labors in the study of Torah.

Apparently this is based on a Gemara in Eruvin 22A.

Ben
----- Original Message ----- 
From: <kennethgmiller at juno.com>

>
> I am SHOCKED by this. If the Gra (or anyone else) would say such a thing,
surely they would point out that it only refers to people who never
interrupt their learning for any other mitzva.
>
> And even if so, to say that "the baby's problems are not his concern"
seems absurd. Maybe his learning takes priority over his child's pain, but
to say that he should not be concerned seems cruel.
>
> Can someone tell me where this appears?