Trimming the garden and removing the weeds prior to planting Torah: [Likkutei Torah Behar]

One who plants a vineyard needs to work on cutting away the thorns that interfere with the vineyards growth. This is an integral part of agriculture and of the planting process as seen regarding the Shabbos and Shemita Melachos, in which we rule that one who prunes the tree and removes the thorns, known as Hazomer, is liable for the planting prohibition, as its purpose is to help the fruits grow. Now, earlier we explained that the study of Torah is similar to the planting of a seed. How then do we perform the agricultural work of Zemira with regards to Torah study? So, first and foremost it is performed within the learning itself.

The importance of studying Talmud including its rejected ideas: In order to properly research a matter in Torah one must sift through all the sources and details, similar to the style of the Babylonian Talmud which brings queries and contradictions to analyze a statement in order to come to a proper conclusion. All of the initial answers and solutions which the Talmud later rejects are similar to the thorns which need to be cut in order to allow growth of the fruit which is the true solution to the subject. Hence, the study of Talmud contrasts the study of Mishneh in the fact that Mishneh does not contain any analysis or questioning and simply brings conclusive statements of Jewish law. The study of Mishneh is similar to the eating of bread which is the product that comes out from the agricultural work that was done in the field. The study of Talmud however is that agricultural work which produced the bread. [Accordingly, one should not feel that he is only considered to be truly studying Torah when he studies the final conclusions of the Talmud and not when he studies all of the analysis and correspondence involved in getting there, as in truth studying the analysis or correspondence, including those which are later rejected and are known as a Hava Mina, is an integral part of the agricultural work involved in Torah study.]

Refining one’s character: Aside for the intrinsic agricultural work of pruning and weeding involved in Torah study as explained above, one must also integrate the refining of his character and soul in order for his Torah study to be properly effective. Every single individual needs to work on his soul and his character to cut the thorns which refers to the negative traits of his animal soul. This includes negative traits such as jealousy, hatred, and lust for the pleasures of the world and the like. This character refinement is necessary in order separate the good from the bad of the soul, in order so the soil of his heart be sustainable for growth of Torah. [Just as one must clear away the worms and other seed eating parasites from the soil that he uses to plant the seeds, so too one must remove all of his bad and negative traits from his heart and character in order so the Torah that he studies actually feeds his G-dly soul and creates a growth above. Otherwise, his study can simply feed his animal soul which is the growth of his ego and self-centeredness, which is similar to a person planting seeds in the earth to feed the worms that are there.]