משנה מסכת אבות פרק ו משנה ד
כך היא דרכה של תורה פת במלח תאכל ומים במשורה תשתה ועל הארץ תישן וחיי צער תחיה ובתורה אתה עמל ואם אתה עושה כן אשריך וטוב לך אשריך בעולם הזה וטוב לך לעולם הבא
This is the way of the Torah: You will eat bread and salt, you will drink measured water, you will sleep on the ground, and you will live a life of suffering, and you will labor in the Torah. If you do this, “You are fortunate and it is good for you” (Psalms 128:2). “You are fortunate” - in this world; “and it is good for you” - in the World to Come. [Translation by Hazon]
Suggested Discussion Questions:
1. Why does the Mishna consider this a proper way to conduct yourself?
2. How does each of these recommendations enhance your lifestyle?
3. Do you agree with this approach? Must we suffer in order to merit reward?
Time Period: Rabbinic (Maccabees through the Talmud)