"Levi
and Rabbi Shimon, the son of Rabbi Yehuda the Prince, were sitting
before Rabbi Yehudah studying Scripture. Upon completing one book, Levi
said, 'Let us now commence with the study of Proverbs,' while Rabbi
Shimon said, 'Let us now commence with the study of Psalms'. Rabbi
Shimon overruled Levi and they began to study Psalms. They paused after
they had only reached the second verse, 'But his desire is in the Torah
of the Lord'. Rabbi Yehudah explained: 'One should always study the
section of Torah towards which his heart is inclined and wherein lies
his desire'. Thereupon, Levi remarked: 'Rabbi, with this statement you
have given me permission to rise up and withdraw myself from this study
of the Psalms'."
-- Talmud Bavli, Avodah Zarah 19a
-- Talmud Bavli, Avodah Zarah 19a
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