The Torah commands in Parashat Ekeb (Debarim 10:20), “U’bo Tidbak” – “To Him shall you cling,” requiring us to “cling” to G-d. The Gemara (Ketubot 111b) comments that, quite obviously, it is not possible to physically cling to G-d, but this verse obligates us to attach ourselves to Torah scholars and their disciples. By spending time in the company of Torah scholars, we are considered as though we “cling” to Hashem. The Gemara teaches that one who marries a Torah scholar, or who has his daughter marry a Torah scholar, can be said to attach himself to the Shechina. The reason for this Misva, the Sefer Ha’hinuch explains, is because we learn how Hashem wants us to live by spending time with scholars with thorough knowledge of the Torah. We must place ourselves in the company of Torah scholars so that we learn how to conduct our lives according to the laws and values of the Torah. The Mishna in Pirkeh Abot (1:4) instructs, “Ve’haveh Mit’abek Ba’afar Raglehem” – that we must draw so close to Torah scholars that the dust of their feet collects on us. This Misva applies in all times and places, and is binding upon both men and women. The Sefer Ha’hinuch writes that one transgresses this command by squandering an opportunity to attach oneself to a Torah scholar. One who violates this Misva, the Sefer Ha’hinuch warns, will be severely punished, because the perpetuation of the Torah depends on our associating with Torah scholars, as those who accustom themselves to be in the company of scholars are not likely to sin. The Ramban interprets the command of “U’bo Tidbak” differently, as referring to invoking G-d’s Name when taking an oath to motivate oneself to observe a Misva. This verse concludes, “U’bi’shmo Tishabe’a” – “You shall swear in His Name,” which is understood as referring to an oath to fulfill a Misva, which one may take in order to motivate himself. The phrase “U’bo Tidbak,” according to the Ramban, instructs that when taking such an oath, one should invoke G-d’s Name. In any event, the Sefer Ha’hinuch follows the Rambam’s understanding, that this verse introduces a Misva to attach oneself to Torah scholars.