The statement that Torah is good with Derech Eretz has been discussed so often and from so many different positions that it is difficult, not only to say something original about it, but even to begin to see it from a fresh perspective.It can be done, but such a perspective also needs to be fresh.
We start with the observation that the mishna does not actually say that Torah is good with work but that it is nice or "Yafe". It is noteworthy that while this word is used by Chazal in a dozen or so places, this is the only instance of a construction, "Yafe X with Y". The word is usually used in one of the following ways:
1.Yafe X more than Y, meaning X is better or better than Y, f.e. Yafe (better) the power of the father than the power of the son and yafe the power of the husband than the power of the father (Nedarim 70a).
2.The same usage but with the comparison implied rather than stated, Yafe (fitting) is tsnius(Genesis Rabba 1:3).
3.Yafe + a verb, where it means appropriate of fitting, f.e., Moshe did Yafe(properly) that he hid his face in the case of the (burning) bush(Shmos Rabbah 3:2)
The usage of Yafe Torah WITH Derech Eretz is unique. There is no other usage like it in Chazal. I would even say that it is unique to Rebbi who was an aristocrat. The thing about aristocracy is that the concepts of beautiful and fitting play a larger role in their daily life than in the lives of the common folk. This is such an important concept, called by Chazal Istanis, that it can even determine halacha, see Brochos 2:4..
I suggest that the word "Yafe" is introduced here and used in an unusual for it syntax is to recall to us the previous teaching of Rebbi in the mishna - Which is the path that is beautiful for a person and beautiful for him from man. It reinforces for us that the way of combining Torah and occupation is in the realm of what is fitting and beautiful, of what is "fitting and appropriate" for a person, not in the realm of the mandatory and required. This is so because Torah without employment at the end ceases and brings one to sin. But how much work is appropraite with Torah? That depends! It may be 8 hours a day for one person and 1 hour a day for another, or an hour every few days for another. How does a particualr individual determine this? By looking at what is fitting and what is beautiful for him. One must select that path which is beautiful for him. The word Yafe introduces subjectivity and individuality into this area, allowing for the proportion and balance of work and study that is fitting and beautiful for each particular individual.
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