(q) Version #2 - Ramah - (Ula): Planning (when one will accomplish something) inhibits a person from fulfilling it, even Torah - "Mefer..." (end of Version #2)
HOW ARE WE TO UNDERSTAND THE RASHI REGARDING THIS PASSAGE? IS ONE NOT SUPPOSED TO EVER SAY - EVEN TO HIMSELF - THAT HE PLANS TO LEARN SUCH-AND-SUCH? WHAT'S THE DEEPER MEANING HERE, AND WHERE CAN I GO TO LEARN MORE (SEFER/GEMARA/ETC.)?
binyamin, new york, ny
Dear Binyamin,
I asked haGaon Rav Moshe Sternbuch Shlita and understand him as follows:
Rashi refers to someone who is sure of himself and decides he will accomplish such and such in a certain time ("So I will do. And so will be in my hand", Rashi).
This act of Ga'avah arouses a reverse declaration in Heaven - Are you sure you will succeed? You won't!
This is only true of one who plans with certainty. But one can hope Hash-m will help him to reach his goal.
All the best,
Reuven Weiner