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What does Derech Eretz mean to you?
Derech Eretz kodmoh Latorah is the Fifth Volume of Shulchan Aruch, proper behavior. Yaffe talmud torah im derech eretz, even though it can be the same to act properly to others when learning not call them any deragotory names, the meforshim say it is work.
Derech Eretz has a handful of meanings.
The most common in everyday speech is behaving respectfully. Of course we are supposed to treat everyone with respect, but the term is most often used when teaching children to have Derech Eretz for parents and any rebbe or menahel or rosh yeshiva in school, as well as adults. Kids are taught to “have derech eretz” for a rebbe when enters a class room. It can be seen as the opposite of chutzpah.
The second most common spin on derech eretz, i believe, is as a synonym for mensch.
Third most popular meaning of Derech Eretz afaik refers to earning a living (parnassa).
This is not an exhaustive list.
There is an argument what עם means. Which one is the ikar and which one is the tofal, Torah or derech eretz, work.
According to Rambam, whoever learns all day and lives from charity gets no place in olam haba.
If the money was given by a donor with the intent to allow learning, it is ok. Often times though the monies for learning and tzedakah are mixed.
Welfare is charity.
Ideally, even rabbanim should not be paid. Religion is not a business to make money. Well, it us. But it is not supposed to be.
1, See Yabia Omer 7, YD 17 whether to sit and learn or go to work.
Sigh. Will someone please quote the other Rambam for him?
To me, derch eretz means the way humans make something out of their time on earth. Standard obligations, rights, intellect, common law, society, arts, culture, as in all that humanity encompasses. Obviously, we are referring to acceptable derech eretz that is constructive. (Otherwise it is not a derech. It will not go anywhere because it self destructs.)
Dear Stuart,
Religion requires a lot of money. There has been a communal pot since we received the luchos. Your ideal scenario was never intended or attempted.
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