Derech Eretz – Meaning, Significance

The Aish Rabbi Replies

Derech eretz literally means “the way of the land.” However, the phrase is used often in classical Jewish literature, as well as Modern Hebrew, to refer to acting with decency and refinement. It is roughly the generic term the Sages use to define proper behavior beyond the precise dictates of ritualistic Judaism. It is used in many different contexts, such as acting with courtesy, eating with proper manners, living a balanced life, and earning a livelihood. (See Pirkei Avot 2:2, 3:5, 6:6 for examples of the final use.)

Here are a few choice quotes from the Sages regarding derech eretz, which also give a feel for its precise meaning:

[A] If there is no derech eretz, there is no Torah; if there is no Torah, there is no derech eretz (Pirkei Avos 3:17).

The meaning is that if a person does not act nicely and is not a decent human being, he has no Torah. He might be a Talmudic scholar, knowledgeable in Torah texts, but the Torah has clearly not penetrated his essence. His knowledge is from the lips out and has not really transformed him into a Torah personality. Conversely, if a person has no Torah – does not immerse himself in Jewish wisdom, it is very unlikely he will truly be a virtuous person without the Torah’s guiding wisdom and exalting effects.

(There is a similar Jewish expression “derech eretz kadma laTorah” (a good character precedes the Torah) which expresses the same basic sentiment as the first half of the above quote. There is no actual such statement in classical sources – although it was possibly shortened from Vayikra Rabbah 9:3.)

[B] Whoever is involved in the study of Torah and Mishna, and acts with derech eretz will not quickly come to sin … And one who does none of these, is not a part of civilization (Hebrew: aino min ha’yishuv) (Kiddushin 40b).

[C] The Torah (see Levit. 17:13 & Deut. 12:39) teaches us proper behavior (derech eretz) – that a person should not eat meat uninhibitedly but only after preparation … only for significant need (see Hullin 84a).

[D] R’ Yishmael, arguing with R’ Shimon bar Yochai that a person should study Torah all the time, says: Since it is stated, “This Sefer Torah should not depart your mouth” (Joshua 1:8), I might think that this is literally so. Therefore, the Torah comes to teach us: “You will gather your grain, wine and oil” (Deut. 11:14; i.e., you will be involved with earning your livelihoods). We are thus enjoined to accustom ourselves in Torah study according to the ways of derech eretz. (I.e., do not go to an extreme, but act in a normal manner when it comes to Torah study – studying when possible but not allowing it to interfere with your regular life obligations.)

Many such quotes give us an interesting understanding of what derech eretz truly means. We noted above that the phrase literally translates “the way of the land.” It thus does not just mean acting with courtesy and good manners. It implies a person who fits in to society, whose behavior conforms with “the way of the land” – of healthy and ordinary living. This too is why the Sages use this phrase in reference to earning a living. It implies a person who is a productive member of society, who spends his time in useful pursuits, contributing to the wellbeing of mankind. Such a person is not a misfit but a decent, hardworking person, living according to “the way of the land.” And as the Sages above said, such a person is much more likely to acquire Torah as well. He values himself and takes life seriously. He leads a responsible life – reflected in how he acts towards others, carries himself about, and fits in to society as a whole. And when you are a good and wholesome human being in this world, you might be ready to acquire Torah and wisdom for the next.