(Fol. 110b) (Ps, 134, 1) A song of ascents, etc., that stand in the house of the Lord in the nights. What does in the nights mean? Said R. Jochanan: "This refers to the scholars who study the Torah at night; Scripture considers them as if they were occupied in the work of sacrifices." (II Chr. 2, 3) This is an ordinance forever to Israel, etc. Said R. Gidel in the name of Rab: "This refers to an altar [built in heaven] where [the angel] Michael stands, and brings sacrifices." R. Jochanan, however, says that it refers to scholars who occupy themselves with the study of the sacrificial matters; Scripture considers it as if the Temple were built in their days. Resh Lakish said: "What is the meaning of the passage (Lev. 7, 37) This is the Torah of the burnt-offering, of the meal-offering, etc? This means that if one occupies himself in the study of the Torah, Scripture considers it as if he were bringing a burnt-offering, a meal-offering, a sin-offering, and a guiltoffering." Said Raba: "If so, then why does the passage use the preposition of; it should have been said, a burnt-offering alone?" Raba therefore said: "This means that whoever studies the Torah is in need neither of a burnt-offering, a meal-offering, a sin offering, nor of a guilt-offering." R. Isaac said: "What is the meaning of the passage (Ib. 6, 17) This is the law concerning a sin-offering; and again (Ib. 7) This is the law concerning a guilt-offering? Whoever studies the laws concerning a sin-offering is considered as if he brought a sin-offering; and whoever studies the laws concerning a guiltoffering is considered as if he brought a guilt-offering."
MISHNAH: The passage says concerning the burnt-offering of a cattle (Lev. 1, 9) An offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the Lord, and concerning a burnt-offering of a fowl it says (Ib.) An offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the Lord, and concerning a meal-offering it also says, An offering made by fire, of a sweet savour, unto the Lord. This is to teach thee that no matter whether he gives much or little, he should direct his attention toward Heaven.
GEMARA: R. Zeira said: "Where is the Biblical passage to prove this? (Ecc. 5, 11) Sweet is the sleep of a laboring man, whether he eat little or much." R. Ada b. Ahaba said: "From here (Ib. ib. 10) When good increase, they are increased that eat them; and what advantage is there to the owner thereof, saving the beholding of them with his eyes?" We are taught that R. Simon b. Azai said: "Come and see that in the entire chapter of sacrifices there is not mentioned the Divine attributes Ail (God), nor Elohim (God), but the original name Jehova (Tetragrammaton) in order not to allow anyone an opportunity of doubting [as to His monotheism]. It is said concerning a Bullock (Lev. 1, 9) An offering made by fire, of a sweet savour made unto the Lord; and concerning a fowl, it is written (Ib.) An offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the Lord; and concerning a meal-offering it says, An offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the Lord. From this it may be inferred that whether one donates much or little, he should always direct his attention toward Heaven. Perhaps thou wilt say that He needs it for food; it therefore reads (Ps. 50, 12) If I were hungry, I would not tell thee; for the world is Mine; do I eat the flesh of bulls? etc. I do not ask you to bring sacrifices in order that you should do My desire or likewise, but ye are bringing the sacrifices upon your own free will, as it is said (Lev. 19, 5) In accordance with your, own free will shall it be offered."
END OF TRACT MENACHOTH.