Rashi cites the Sifra which derives from the words “to walk therein” that one should not think that he can exempt himself from mitzvos. In other words, one shall not say, “I have learned the wisdom of Yisrael, I shall now go and learn the wisdom of other nations.” To act in such a manner is equivalent to exempting himself from Torah and mitzvos. This seems vexing. Why should studying the culture of other nations be viewed as being diametrically opposed to a Torah way of life? Horav Boruch Sorotzkin z.l. suggests the following explanation. Limud ha’Torah is not merely…
