The Three Pillars of the World: Torah, Service, and Kindness

Shimon the Righteous was one of the last members of the Great Assembly. He used to say: The world stands on three things- on the Torah, on the service [of G-d], and on acts of kindness. (Pirkei Avot 1:2)

Shimon the Righteous was among the last surviving members of the Great Assembly after most had passed away.

The phrase "He used to say" indicates something he regularly taught. As with other teachings in Pirkei Avot, Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi compiled sayings that were commonly spoken by the sages to their generations, to encourage reflection and action.

"The world stands on three things" – meaning, the world’s very existence depends on three foundations: Torah, service of G-d, and acts of kindness.

The Spiritual Oxygen of Creation

"On the Torah" – this refers not just to the presence of Torah scrolls, but to actual Torah study. As the verse states (Jeremiah 33:25): “Were it not for My covenant [of Torah] day and night, I would not have established the laws of heaven and earth.” Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin writes in Nefesh HaChaim that this is to be taken literally: if the world were to be without Torah study for even a moment, it would revert to chaos and void.

Torah is like oxygen: invisible yet essential. A being from another planet who doesn’t understand oxygen may not believe that a massive elephant could die within minutes without it, but we who understand the science accept it as a given. So too with Torah: though unseen, it is the spiritual oxygen of the universe.

This explains why Torah study is so highly valued. The sages say Torah learning equals all other mitzvot (Peah 1:1), for one who upholds Torah sustains the world itself.

A famous story is told of the Vilna Gaon who once stood up when a 16-year-old boy entered the study hall. When questioned, he explained that the boy had been learning Torah while the rest of the world slept- meaning that the world existed at that moment due to that boy’s learning alone.

Even if thousands are learning Torah, each individual contributes immense spiritual value. It’s like sharing a vast treasure among many- each person still receives a tremendous share.

Torah is therefore one of the three pillars sustaining the world. Fortunate is the one who sets aside fixed times for daily learning.

The Power Supply of the Soul

We can therefore understand why Torah study is prioritized even over acts of kindness. Just as there are foot soldiers and artillery divisions in an army, there is a spiritual battalion- the Torah learners who protect the rest.

As it says in Psalms (122:2) “Our feet stood firm in your gates, O Jerusalem,” the Talmud interprets: Who causes our soldiers to stand firm in battle? Those who sit in Jerusalem and learn Torah.

This spiritual power explains why the Jewish people continue to exist in the Land of Israel against all odds- surrounded by massive nations with greater armies. Wars like the Six-Day War were clear miracles, supported by spiritual merit, not merely military might.

Service: Not Manual Labor

"On the service" – this refers not to physical labor, but to Divine service, particularly the Temple sacrifices. Today, in the absence of the Temple, prayer replaces sacrifices, as the prophet says (Hosea 14:3): “We will offer the words of our lips instead of bulls.”

Prayer connects the physical and spiritual realms. The word tefillah (prayer) shares a root with petilah (wick), which connects oil to flame. Similarly, prayer links creation to the Divine, drawing blessing into the world.

Acts of Kindness – In Spirit and in Action

"On acts of kindness" – the word chesed means to have compassion on the needy. Gemilut has two meanings: to give and to wean off. Perfect kindness is not only helping someone in need but empowering them to become independent.

Kindness goes beyond money and includes giving time, attention, and emotional support. Even a warm smile or friendly greeting can uplift someone going through hardship.

A person may be poor and unable to give charity, but they can still fulfill this principle through volunteering, comforting others, or offering emotional support. A retiree, for example, can learn Torah, tutor others, volunteer in hospitals, or start a study group- infusing their time with meaning and bringing good to others.

Even small interactions at a social event such as sharing words of encouragement instead of idle chatter, can become meaningful acts of kindness. As King Solomon said (Ecclesiastes 9:10): “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom in the grave, where you are going.”