For the source text click/tap here: Kiddushin 40
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Our Mishna states: One who is engaged in study of Bible and Mishna and derech eretz, the desired mode of behaviour, will not be quick to sin, for "a threefold cord is not quickly broken" (Ecclesiastes 4:12). One who does not engage in any of these is not considered to be a person deserving to be part of the community.
The Gemara shares analogies of righteousness and wickedness to trees. Rabbi Akiva argues with Rabbi Tarfon that study is greater than action because study leads to action. Other examples demonstrate that study is more important than action -- though the rabbis are clear that a mitzvah is performed immediately if Torah study would not facilitate its immediate performance.
We explore the conflict between study and praxis.