Our Gemara on Amud Beis used a particular idiom to describe the discovery of a novel Torah idea: “Drawing up the pearl underneath the clay shard.” Some understand this as a metaphor coming from pearl divers, who find pearls hidden under clay-like clods under the sea (see Tosafos ibid).

I will reflect on this metaphor. The idea that intellectual activity involves a deep dive, associated with risks is certainly meaningful. One cannot truly learn something new unless he or she is willing to let go of old ideas and preconceptions. The confusion of reconsidering strongly held beliefs is disorienting and feels like jumping off the deep end. Who's to say that a new idea will be better? Even worse, perhaps this new line of thinking can lead into dangerous places. Another interesting concept that is latent within this metaphor is that during the effort, it may be far from clear that success is imminent. It is easy to despair of ever obtaining the sought intellectual treasure. Up until the last moment, it looks like your efforts might be in vain. All you see is just clods of earth, until suddenly, you discover buried treasure.

In every person, deep inside their soul is a treasure trove of inspiration and truth. As it states in Mishley (20:5):

מַ֣יִם עֲ֭מֻקִּים עֵצָ֣ה בְלֶב־אִ֑ישׁ וְאִ֖ישׁ תְּבוּנָ֣ה יִדְלֶֽנָּה׃

The counsel in a man’s mind are deep waters, But a man of understanding can draw them out.

We will discuss more about looking inside and outside for knowledge in tomorrow’s daf, Bava Metzia (18).

Translations Courtesy of Sefaria, except when, sometimes, I disagree with the translation

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