Shavuot-Spiritual Tools: L’Beit Yaakov: Praying about Torah Study

“When Rabbi Abba went up to Israel, he said: “May it be the will of God that I may say something which is acceptable.” (Beitzah 38a) The prayer failed, as the Talmud reports that his companions laughed at his rulings.

Rabbi Abba felt that it was more important to share his rulings, and therefore, rather than pray that he arrive at the correct conclusion when studying, prayed that he be successful in sharing his learning.

His prayers were not answered to teach him that one should only pray to arrive at the truth, and then, his rulings will be accepted.