Passing Phrase - www.learnhebrew.org.il

Yishuv HaDa’at

Literally:Sitting with thought
Idiomatically: Moderation/introspection/calmness

This phrase has become more popular in Jewish thought over the past 20 or so years, and is also an important part of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov’s (1772-1810) ideas. It is also known as "Menuchat Hanefesh" (resting of the soul). The phrase is listed as one of the way one acquires the wisdom of the Torah (Avot 6:4). Though actually the reference just uses the word "yishuv," it is explained as "yishuv hada'at." "Yishuv" comes from the root י-ש-ב"Yud-Shin-Bet," meaning to sit. A "yishuv" is a place where people sit or live (Baba Kama 10:6). We can find the phrase in Bereishit Rabba 20 (written in approximately the 4th century). "Yishuv Hada'at" refers to a connection and harmony between one's outer level of consciousness and his inner self. One who has "Yishuv HaDa'at" is someone who is calm and rational with his thoughts.

הוא צריך יישוב הדעת ועצה נכונה כדי לקבל החלטה "Hu tzarich yishuv hada’at v’aitza nechona kedei lekabel hachlata" - He needs introspection and good advice to reach a decision. Note these are two rare commodities, harder and harder to come by…

Back to this week's lesson