| "Rabban Yochanan ben Zakkai said: If you have studied much Torah, do not take credit for yourself, for it is for this purpose that you were created." (Pirkei Avot 2:9)
A man was once walking through a dense forest when he suddenly found himself face-to-face with a roaring lion. Terrified and unarmed, he grasped his simple walking stick and raised it toward the lion, pretending it was a bow and arrow. In desperation, he hoped his bluff would somehow save him. Unbeknownst to him, an expert archer was perched in a tree nearby. Just as the man on the ground mimed shooting an arrow, the archer released a real one. It flew straight and true, piercing the lion’s heart. The beast collapsed lifeless to the ground.
Overjoyed and relieved, the man believed his walking stick had saved him. He kissed it, praised it, and marveled at its supposed power.
Then the archer called down, “Don’t be foolish! Your stick had nothing to do with it. I’m the one who shot the arrow and saved your life!”
This story illustrates a deep truth about spiritual achievement. When a person performs a mitzvah or studies Torah, he might feel as though he has elevated himself through his own efforts. But in truth, it is HaShem who grants sanctity and merit through the act. The holiness is not self-generated—it is bestowed from above.
Even in the elevated realm of Torah study, which engages the soul through speech and intellect, the wisdom and sanctity attained are Divine gifts. As we say in the blessing over Torah: "Who sanctifies us with His commandments." It is HaShem who infuses us with holiness through the very act of learning. This is the meaning behind Rabban Yochanan ben Zakkai’s words: “If you have studied much Torah, do not take credit for yourself.” The knowledge, insight, and spiritual elevation you experience are not personal triumphs—they are gifts from the Creator.
Today: As you learn Torah, envision that HaShem is gently placing wisdom and holiness into your soul. Your role is to receive, to open yourself to His light—not to take pride, but to feel gratitude and awe. (Based on Moshol V’Nimshol of the Ben Ish Chai) | 
