Shabbos Chol Hamoed Succos - The Power of Three

This Shabbos we read Sefer Koheles, which is attributed to Shlomo HaMelech (King Solomon). A key verse in the book is cited in a Mishnah in Kiddushin (1:10):

Anyone that is engaged in Scripture, Mishnah and Derech Eretz will not easily sin, as it says: “A rope with three threads is not easily broken.” (Koheles 4:12).

What is the connection between the first statement, that anyone who is engaged in Scripture, Mishnah and Derech Eretz will not easily sin, and the verse from Koheles that a rope with three threads is not easily broken?

In context, the verse in Koheles speaks about cooperation — how a person who works with others is more successful than one who lives in isolation. Thus, the simple meaning of the verse is that when three people work together as one, their endeavor is more likely to succeed than when only one or two people are involved. The Mishnah applies the same concept to spiritual matters. When a person follows these three things: the written law (Scripture), the oral law (Mishnah), and acts with Derech Eretz, his moral and spiritual fiber becomes strong and he will not easily sin.

But what exactly is Derech Eretz? Literally “the way of the land,” it is generally understood to mean refined human behavior — being a mensch. The Rambam defines it as conducting oneself with nachas ruach, a calm and pleasant spirit, rather than anger or harshness. The Maharsha says that the Rambam also understands that “Derech Eretz” includes other positive character traits, which the Tiferes Yisroel enumerates as showing compassion, dealing with all people in a kind and friendly manner, being content with simple comforts, and avoiding idle or harmful speech.

This raises a question. If one needs the combination of all three (following the written law, the oral law, and Derech Eretz) to avoid sin, then having only two of them, e.g. Scripture and Mishnah, and not Derech Eretz, would be insufficient to avoid sin. But how could this be? If a person has mastered both Scripture and Mishnah — the entirety of Jewish law — why is Derech Eretz still essential to avoid sin? Shouldn’t deep Torah knowledge alone be enough to safeguard a person from wrongdoing?

The Mishnah teaches otherwise. Even someone who knows the Torah thoroughly can falter if his character is not refined. Without Derech Eretz, someone with intellectual knowledge might still fall victim to spiritual shortcomings and sin. The Tiferes Yisroel explains that true character development is learned not only from books but by observing how righteous people behave — how they show empathy, solve real problems, and treat others with dignity in daily life. Only by combining all three — Torah study, oral tradition, and refined conduct — does a person create a “threefold cord” that will not easily break.

As we start the new year and celebrate the holiday of Succos, a time of joy and spiritual invigoration, we are reminded to strengthen all three strands in our own lives.  We should attempt to not only grow in our study of both the written and oral Torah, but also commit to working on refining our behavior through Derech Eretz. When these are bound together, our spiritual foundation becomes strong and lasting.

In that merit, we should experience this year the end of Jewish suffering - a year in which our learning and our actions bring about the ultimate redemption for all the Jewish people.