Kinyan 5 Eimah - Rav Boruch Ber Liebowitz Knew Their Real Names
It is said that during learning when you mention the name of a Tanna, Amora, Rishon, or any gadol, you should envision that they are standing before you. Standing in the presence of these great men transform the atmosphere from a casual intellectual exercise into an awe filled experience. When Rav Boruch Ber Liebowitz would mention the name of an amora during his shiur, he would call him with trepidation, HaKadosh, as if he felt the weight of his holy presence was right there with him in the room.
Rav Chaim Volozhin says that since Hashem's only rests in the four amos of Halacha, you should feel like you are in the Kodesh HaKedoshim and be overcome with the same trepidation as the Kohen Gadol on Yom Kippur. The mishna in Pirkei Avos reminds us that when we are learning with a chavrusa or even by ourselves, we are not alone. During learning, before we wander off the topic and discuss the mundane or take a glance around at something that catches our attention, we should ask ourselves, will Hashem who is sitting with us enjoy this short light break from our learning? That should shock us back into reality and cause us to sit upright and start shuckling to the tune of Amar Rava HaKadosh.
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