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There is an expression that I have always heard, which is that when two separate Torah studies one is learning happen to reference each other, it is a good sign. A variant of this that I've heard is that it is a sign one is studying Torah Lishmah (for its own sake).

Does anyone know the source for this, if there is one?

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  • haba l'taher mesayin oto. just plain old siyata d'shmaya
    – ray
    Feb 27, 2013 at 7:56
  • It's a sign you know a lot of Torah.
    – Double AA ♦
    Feb 27, 2013 at 18:09
  • The Hatam Sofer says that one who mixes Halacha and Kabbalah is Hayav Mishum Kilayim (maybe an exception to your expression).
    – Hacham Gabriel
    Feb 27, 2013 at 22:16
  • @HachamGabriel An excellent example of poignant hyperbole.
    – Double AA ♦
    Feb 27, 2013 at 22:58

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Chasam Sofer is quoted as saying that if you come across something from the week's parsha while studying gemara it is a good omen for your learning. I believe it's in a comment on a Rashi in Vayigash but I haven't seen it first hand.

I do know, however, that there are a number of Verses in Chumash forbidding omen-hunting including Deuteronomy 18:10-14.

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    The omens referred to in Deut. are omens upon which one will make a decision whether or not to do something, or if today is an appropriate day to do something. No one would suggest that one who has not seen two studies intersect should stop learning - merely that if one does have the occurrence, it is a good sign.
    – nagah
    Feb 28, 2013 at 1:40
  • @nagah A good sign for what?
    – Double AA ♦
    Feb 28, 2013 at 4:46
  • A "siman yafeh" for his learning. Alternatively, a sign that the learning is "lishmah".
    – nagah
    Mar 4, 2013 at 3:15
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I don't have a source for the specific issue of areas of Torah study intersecting, but you may find this helpful, on the topic of signs or "hints" Hashem sends us:

"You should reflect on the different situations and occurrences that God sends your way day by day. Each day has its own thoughts, words and deeds. They are all completely unique to that day. God "contracts" His infinite, endless Godliness in such a way that Godliness is present even in the innermost point of the finite material world in which man finds himself. Thus God sends to each individual the thoughts, words and deeds appropriate for the day, the person and the place. Within them are hints intended to draw the person closer to God's service.

This is why you should pay attention to what happens to you and consider what it may signify. Think about the thoughts, words and deeds that God sends you each day in order to understand His hints to you to draw closer to Him at every moment. This applies to everyone, no matter who and in what circumstances .

But be cautious when thinking about these things: you must stay within certain limits and not delve to excess, because otherwise it is possible to stray beyond the bounds of holiness. Flying off into speculation can be dangerous. Stay within the limits of human understanding and steadily expand your horizons without trying to step beyond your level, because 'you may not investigate that which is too wondrous for you'(Chagigah 13a)."

Likutey Moharan I, 54

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