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 Larry Adler & Joan Presby in honor of Rabbi Yitzchak Etshalom's YUTorah shiurim and by Benjy Owen in memory of Sam Owen, Shemuel Reuven ben Yehudit Rachel and by Fran & Jerry Weinberg l'ilui nishmot Yaakov Yosef ben Moshe Ahron and Sheindel Perel bat Moshe