Good Things Come in Threes

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July 29 2005
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The Talmud records that a certain Galilean expounded about the greatness of the Torah, which is triple (Rashi: Torah, Nevi’im, Ketuvim), given to a triple nation (Kohanim, Levi’im, Yisraelim), through the hands of a third (-born, Moshe) on the third day (of separation) of the third month. The assumption that the number three is of particular positive significance requires some explanation. The Maharal of Prague (Tiferet Yisrael, ch. 11) expanded upon by the Resp. L’Horot Natan (XI, 39), suggests that three is a number particularly representative of truth, as once there are three parts, there are two extremes, and a middle. The Rambam (Hil. Deiot, 1:4) recommended always taking the “middle path”; presumably, this path is the least distorted by either extreme. Thus, the Torah, as the source of truth and wisdom, is well represented by the number three

Gemara:

Collections: Rabbi Feldman Mini Shiur (Daf)

References: Shabbat: 88a  

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    Learning on the Marcos and Adina Katz YUTorah site is sponsored today by Elliot and Nechama Rosner in memory of their dear brother, Rabbi Howard (Zvi) Rosner and by Avi & Aleeza Lauer, Mordechai & Astrid Leifer and Joey & Tina Orlian commemorating the 36th yahrzeit of their dear friend Gary Slochowsky, a'h and by Ezra & Millie Fried l’zecher nishmat שרה גואל בת אברהם, Gitta Ackerman and by Joshua & Amy Fogelman and Family l’ilui nishmat Dr. Harold Fogelman, חיים צבי בן ברוך ז“ל