One of the oldest and most foundational teachings of Pirkei Avot asserts: “Derech Eretz Kadmah L’Torah” – the “ways of the land” precede Torah and mitzvot. This does not necessarily assign greater importance to the “ways of the land” over Torah or mitzvot. Instead, it emphasizes that, developmentally, the “ways of the land” must come first. Before excelling in Torah study and deepening our commitment to religion, we must first give attention to derech eretz.
But what exactly are the “ways of the land” that this proverb refers to as preceding Torah?
In the 19th century, Rabbi Shimshon Raphael Hirsch, responding to the challenges of Jewish emancipation in Germany, developed an ideology called “Torah im derech eretz.” He borrowed this term to advocate for the integration of Torah values with participation in broader gentile society – economically, politically, and professionally. While his usage was innovative and suited to the era’s cultural circumstances, it was a borrowed application of the term.
