The 3rd track on Menschology is a new interpretation of Judaism’s blessing for the study of Torah. The words, Laasok b’divrei Torah are part of that blessing and have the interesting meaning of “to busy oneself with words of Torah.” Many people confuse the word “Laasok” with the more common Hebrew word “Laasot.” The latter means, “to do, to make.” The former means, “to busy oneself or occupy oneself.” Colloquially, the blessing for the study of Torah is challenging us to make Torah our business. Not in the financial sense of course, but in the spiritual sense. That same blessing also conveys the idea that a life of Torah should taste sweet in our mouths and in our hearts. That idea is captured in the English lyrics of the song.
The Menschology interpretation of this song is performed beautifully by a group of Davis Academy Middle School students with Elena Dollinger as the lead vocalist. In addition to the traditional blessing for the study of Torah there’s one other Hebrew phrase from Proverbs 6:23– ki ner mitzvah, v’Torah or (“the mitzvot are a lamp/candle, and the Torah is light.”).
You can listen to HG&P and The Davis Academy’s version of Laasok B’divrei Torah on CD Baby or wherever you stream music.