Comments on: Exercise Your Brain

By: ja

ja — Mon, 27 Feb 2006 16:35:24 +0000

1. In prior centuries, rote learning was highly valued in secular context too. Scholars of ancient
greek literature knew the material by heart too. We have less memorization today - no one is *instructed* to memorize anymore.

2. In at least some case, we almost definitely are talking about specific memory skills. Some people who know shas by heart seem to have been capable of reading secular material once and knowing it almost if not entirely by heart. R Hirschprung of Montreal was noted for this. Similarly, I’ve heard of Mirrer who knew Doestoevsky by heart as well as Shas.
The famous “pin trick” relies on visual memorization, not verbal memorization, and it’s almost a sure thing that those who can do it have unusual memories.

By: Charles B. Hall

Charles B. Hall — Fri, 24 Feb 2006 05:49:39 +0000

‘I believe a recent study casts doubt on this hypothesis-based on the apparent quick ending of those who are very intelligent once Alzheimers is diagnosed-a hypothesis-that intelligence etc masks the symptoms for a while and then once the symptoms are noticed the disease is in an advanced state-thus less time remaining and of course less time for any future treatments that may be invented to take affect.’

Uh, I’m a bit embarassed to say that I am doing research on exactly this issue — I presented some early results in Tampa and Philadelpha last year and will present up to date findings in San Diego in early April. I’m preparing a manuscript to submit to a journal next month. Once the abstract for the San Diego talk is online I can send a link to anyone interested.

‘Of course, it is sufficient to learn because that is what God demands of us.’

Amen.

By: Yaakov Menken

Yaakov Menken — Fri, 24 Feb 2006 03:26:30 +0000

Joel, we have our own TorahMedia.com site for audio shiurim, as well!

By: mycroft

mycroft — Thu, 23 Feb 2006 03:34:50 +0000

“The reason this doesn’t happen with Chumash is that no one really analyzes chumash with that same intellectual intensity, thus they are unable to memorize it.”

Why don’t people analyze chumash with the same intellectual intensity?
The Rashbam, IBN EZRA, Abarbanel, Ramban for starters did

By: Ezzie

Ezzie — Thu, 23 Feb 2006 03:28:13 +0000

Does this mean bloggers won’t lose it as fast?

By: Michael Kopinsky

Michael Kopinsky — Thu, 23 Feb 2006 02:06:55 +0000

The thing that lets Roshei Yeshiva etc. memorize the large works, imo, is specifically the creative analysis they do on it. After looking at a Gemara again and again trying to figure out “pshat”, anyone will remember the Gemara.

The reason this doesn’t happen with Chumash is that no one really analyzes chumash with that same intellectual intensity, thus they are unable to memorize it.

Michael

By: mycroft

mycroft — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 23:09:37 +0000

“Jewish history, of course, is replete with scholarly leaders who were celebrated
for their brilliance well into their 90s”
Sadly there have been many gdolim who did not reach a ripe old age-
and sadly there were gdoli whose last years were very rough-even on their mental faculties

“A research review published in the journal Psychological Medicine found that people who have a significant “brain reserve,” or intellectual base, have a much lower risk of developing dementia. ”
I believe a recent study casts doubt on this hypothesis-based on the apparent quick ending of those who are very intelligent once Alzheimers is diagnosed-a hypothesis-that intelligence etc masks the symptoms for a while and then once the symptoms are noticed the disease is in an advanced state-thus less time remaining and of course less time for any future treatments that may be invented to take affect.
Of course, it is sufficient to learn because that is what God demands of us.

‘the Rosh Yeshiva meant”
I always admire how 2 decades after the ptirah of Rav Ruderman ZT”L he is always referred to as the Rosh Yeshiva-even to non Ner Israel audiences.

“The Bible, for example, is much smaller, and thus more achievable—but nonetheless, to find someone who has memorized it is quite rare”

That would be a good subject for someone to post on why?

By: Avrom Pollak

Avrom Pollak — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 21:46:36 +0000

I once heard that Rabbi Yaakov Kaminetzky ZTL once commented that he did
not know what it means to forget something learned until he was well into
his sixties.

By: joel rich

joel rich — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 18:09:15 +0000

Go to http://WWW.YUTORAH.ORG, download a shiur, and jog or whatever.
KT

By: HILLEL

HILLEL — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 14:08:44 +0000

The RAMBA”M clearly writes that good health depends on:
1. fresh air 2. fresh water 3. healthy food 4. exercise

5. proper procedures for eating, exercising, and bathing

The RAMBA”M guarantees that, if you follow his instrucions, as written in Mishneh Torah , he guarantees that you will live a long and healthy life.

–Hilchos Deos, Chapter 4
–Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, Simen 32

By: mb

mb — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 14:03:54 +0000

Well said. Now put on some running shoes and get out there and run with a chavrusa. I can think of no better example of what you are preaching.