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    19 Aug An Interview With the Yetzer HaRa About Daf Yomi

    Posted at 22:39h in by
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    We interrupt our series on tefilah for this timely interview with the Yeitzer HaRa.

    A few days ago, as I was strolling down Thirteenth Avenue, I saw a harried Yeitzer HaRa walking with a troubled look on his face. As you know, I always try to grab the Yeitzer HaRa for a quick interview in order to gather some vital tidbits on how to battle his diabolical schemes. Therefore, upon spotting him, I quickly ran after him and asked him why he looked so frantic. He answered:

    Yeitzer HaRa: They just opened up for the general public available seating for the grand Siyum HaShas at MetLife Stadium this coming January 1, 2020.

    Rabbi Weiss: So, why is that making you so upset? Isn’t it just a get rich scheme for the Agudas Yisroel?

    Yeitzer HaRa [YH]: Are you out of your mind? Do you know how many thousands of people get inspired from this event and are turned on to learn the Daf Yomi?

    Rabbi Weiss [RW]: Awww, come on! You think that because of a chilly January 1st stadium appearance people will embark on a seven and a half year, every day commitment?

    YH: You underestimate the spiritual intoxication of being together with thousands of people who have reached a life’s dream of finishing Shas.

    RW: Why do you care so much anyway?

    YH: You know, the Gemora in Baba Basra reveals that I wear three hats. I’m the Yeitzer HaRa, the satan, and the malach hamaves. In my guise as malach hamaves, I’m known as Sama-eil (spelled Samach, Mem, Alef, Lammed). This is an acronym for Siyum Masechta Ayn Laasos. I try at all costs not to let a person finish a masechta. Finishing Shas is my greatest nemesis. It is the truest antidote against the Yeitzer HaRa and the surest potion for life.

    RW: So what are you worried about? You know that most people don’t have the stamina for an every day, seven and a half year commitment.

    YH: Maybe that was true in the olden days but now with the availability of ArtScroll and aids as such Kol Halashon, TorahAnytime.com, and Dial-a-Daf, more people are able to jump on the Daf Yomi bandwagon.

    RW: Even so, if you look through the windows of Daf Yomi shiurim, there are people dozing off and staring in space having lost their train of thought, not able to follow the intricate shakla v’tarya of the Gemora.

    YH: It’s true, but once they make an attempt to study a daf, even if they don’t grasp it they will be allowed to master that daf in the Great Academy of the Yeshiva shel Maalah.

    RW: Don’t many people feel that Daf Yomi is just superficial and is not really Torah learning?

    YH: People are not so naïve anymore. They have more confidence in the opinions of the Chortkova Rebbe, Rav Meir Shapiro, and the Chofetz Chaim to name but a few who felt that Daf Yomi is the right learning formula for Klal Yisroel.

    RW: Aren’t there many people who feel that they simply can’t get a real understanding of the Gemora when learning so rapidly. Wouldn’t they rather learn a lot slower and with more comprehension?

    YH: What I’m seeing is that people are embarking on the Daf Yomi with a five-cycle plan. They figure the first time they’re getting their feet wet, they’ll understand it even more the second time around, and really become proficient when they get to the third time. I also think that people are really galvanized to unite with the global brotherhood of Daf Yomi. I hate when they practice such achdus!

    RW: At least you don’t have to worry about the women. They probably have no interest to attend such a ‘male’ celebration.

    YH: Oy! Are you wrong! The women know the Gemora in Berachos that states that they have a share in the nitzchius, the eternity of Torah partly because of their husband’s learning. To my chagrin, they really feel a connection to the Daf Yomi hysteria.

    RW: At least there will be thousands of people there just because it’s the IN place to be. They’re coming with the attitude that it’s like a concert.

    YH: Even those people, I’m afraid, get incredible inspiration from saying Shema Yisroel and Amein, Ye’hei Shmei rabba with 90,000 of their brethren. Just answering Amein with such a massive crowd to v’chaim tovim aleinu v’al kol Yisroel makes a severe dent in my efforts. Not to mention that they feast their eyes on so many Gedolei Yisroel! It’s a real lose-lose proposition for me.

    RW: At least when they bring their children, all it will accomplish is that they won’t be able to pay attention the next day in school.

    YH: Boy! Are you wrong! When children see that 90,000 people come to give honor to those who learn Daf Yomi, it makes an indelible impression on their young minds, one that will remain for a lifetime.

    RW: As always, I thank you for your time. As you know, I’m not sympathetic to your cause. I cheer on all of these people that they will make this the cycle that they too will connect with the 2,711 blat of Shas. It’s a game changer for their life, the life of their family, for this world and the Next. I hope everyone who reads this will grab a Gemora Berachos and start the Daf Yomi with me for the new cycle.