Reflecting on the True Value of Sefarim

A Talmudic scholar considers his attachment to his religious texts after a flooding incident.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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After a pipe burst in the Glueck Beit Midrash in New York City, causing significant flooding, the author rushed to save his personal collection of sefarim (religious texts). This incident made him reflect on his attachment to physical books and whether he has been truly engaging with the wisdom they contain, rather than just accumulating them. The author explores the Mishnaic teaching that increasing one's possessions increases one's worry, and considers how true security comes from internalizing meaningful ideas rather than just owning more physical items.

Why it matters

This story touches on the tension between the material and spiritual aspects of religious scholarship, as the author grapples with his instinctive reaction to protect his physical books versus truly connecting with the knowledge they contain. It raises broader questions about the role of possessions in our lives and how we can find true meaning and security.

The details

When the author became aware of the flooding in the beit midrash, his first reaction was to rush in and move his sefarim to safety, even though they were not in immediate danger. This made him realize that his attachment to the physical books was perhaps irrational, as they could be easily replaced if damaged. The author also considered how he has accumulated many sefarim but has only begun to truly study and internalize the wisdom within them, rather than just owning them as decorative objects.

  • A few weeks ago, New York City experienced one of the largest snowstorms in several years.
  • The extreme weather caused a pipe to burst in the Glueck Beit Midrash, resulting in significant flooding in the back of the building.

The players

Adir Abramowitz

The author of the article, who reflects on his attachment to his personal collection of sefarim (religious texts).

Glueck Beit Midrash

The location where the flooding incident occurred, a religious study hall in New York City.

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The takeaway

This incident has led the author to consider the deeper meaning and purpose of owning and engaging with sefarim, beyond just accumulating physical books. It has prompted him to reflect on the Mishnaic teaching that increasing one's possessions increases one's worry, and to strive for a more meaningful relationship with the wisdom contained in his religious texts.