Priority-1:Fundamental Principles of Learning B’Iyun

Repeatedly read and analyze the Rishonim on the Sugya as precisely and accurately as possible. The primary goal is to bring out as much information as possible and understand the depth contained within their words. To achieve one should analyze the continuity of their words (Hemshech) and attempt to take note of what other ways the idea could have been expressed. Careful observation of Lashon is one way to help clarify why the Rishon chose to express the concept in the form that he did.

Focus specifically on the area(s) where Rishonim disagree. The fundamental principles (Yesodos) of a Sugya can generally be found by closely examining the Machlokes Rishonim. An important part of this process is to try and explain precisely where the Rishonim disagree. It is vital that the disagreement be expressed in a way that minimizes the difference between the two views. Rishonim were giants in Torah, and it is unlikely that such great Torah minds saw the same concept in vastly different ways.

Clarify the change in understanding between the question and the answer. Because of their broad knowledge of all of Torah, it is understood that a Rishon who asks a question is not just making casual conversation. It is crucial to understand exactly why he asked his question, and what unique Chiddush he is expressing in his answer. For example, when a Rishon brings another Gemara as proof to his answer, we have to determine how he understood that Gemara before his question.

Work on Tosfos and relevant Mefarshim as building blocks for a Sugya. Many of the core concepts in a given Sugya will often be centered around Tosfos. Achronim focus on explaining Tosfos, so extra clarity can therefore be attained. There are many important strategies necessary to learn Tosfos, such as when Tosfos brings two answers, there must be a reason why the first one was somehow insufficient. Also, if Tosfos asks a question from another Gemara, it means that there would be no problem in this Sugya if not for the other Gemara.

Study Gedolei Achronim along with Rishonim. Reaching greater depths in understanding Rishonim requires using Achronim to prevent us from straying from the correct approach in a given Sugya. The commentaries of the Achronim are often written at greater length and spell out certain concepts more clearly. Achronim also frequently quote necessary information from other places in Shas.

To extract the fundamentals of the Sugya from the words of the Sugya itself. The ideal way to break down a Sugya is to delve in primarily at its main location. Avoiding the introduction of outside Sevaros into the words of the Sugya and Mefarshim is preferable. Rather, the key is to see what the Sugya “says to you” when viewed more independently.

Learn under an expert Rebbi. The path to grow in learning B’Iyun can be found only by following a Rebbi who guides Talmidim on their respective levels. An Iyun shiur should be constructed so that Talmidim are motivated to work hard on the Sugya, while staying within their range of comprehension and ability. An active back-and-forth discussion between Rebbi and Talmidim is an essential component of the shiur and crucial for growth in clarity and sevara. A Rebbi should train talmidim to identify a “Sevara Yeshara” that can “be said”, and by contrast, a Sevara that “cannot be said.” He should guide them to differentiate between subtle shades of similarity in din to establish the truth precisely.

Harav Dovid Leibowitz, zt”l, used to say that the job of a Rebbi is not to feed information, but rather to get inside the Talmid’s head to see how he is perceiving and understanding the information and, when called for, to straighten out his thinking.