Depth Or Breadth?
‘A Sinai Or An Oker Harim’
(Horayos 14a)
Our daf discusses a question posed to the sages in Eretz Yisrael: Which is better –to be a “Sinai” (or baki), someone who has extensive knowledge of Torah, or an “oker harim” (or charif), someone who has a keen analytical mind? They responded that having extensive knowledge is more important. Even though a keen intellect – “charif” – is valuable, everyone must be a “baki,” for without knowledge of all relevant Torah sources (in both the Written and Oral Law) it is impossible to arrive at proper decisions.
Spreading Kevod Shamayim
The Gemara elsewhere (end of 13b) – based on an exposition of Tehillim 106:2, “Who can express the mighty acts of Hashem, make all His praises heard?” – concludes that the most fitting person for a position of leadership is one who possesses a vast knowledge of the entire Torah for by rendering proper, well-informed decisions, he spreads kevod shamayim.
The Printed Word
Chikrei Lev (Yoreh De’ah, 3:100 – at end s.v “ve’ulam”) argues that being a baki is not as essential today as it was in the times of the Mishnah. In that era, when the Oral Law had not yet been written down, it was vital to be thoroughly versed in the entire Torah to render proper decisions. Today, though, it is not as important as long as one knows the Shulchan Aruch and relevant authorities and where to look before rendering a decision.