"Rabbi Huna said two aggadic teachings: All these dispersed exiles will assemble once more in the Land of Israel only through the merit of studying the Mishnah. What is the basis? 'Although they pay hire (יתְמוּ) among the nations, I will now gather them' (Hosea 8:10).
"Rabbi Huna also said another teaching, based on this verse: 'For from the rising of the sun to its setting, My Name is great among the nations, and in every place it is put to smoke and presented to My Name, and it is a pure meal offering' (Malachi 1:11). But is there, in the literal sense, a pure minchah, and scooping and putting to smoke in Babylonia? Rather, what is this 'offering'? This is the study of Mishnah! The Holy One, blessed is He, said, 'Since you engross yourselves in the study of Mishnah, it is considered as if you are actually bringing an offering."
-- Midrash Rabbah, Vayiqra Rabbah §7.3
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THEY PAY HIRE : Do not read יתְנוּ as "they pay hire". Rather, read as תָּנָא, that is, "they learn". That is, they learn the Mishnah.
BRINGING
AN OFFERING : Does this refer to only the minchah (meal) offering, or
are there other types of offerings for which the study of the Mishnah
would serve as an equivalent?
