If every person who bought a new pair of Timberland shoes or boots during 2005 were to walk only 3,000 steps a day in them, then Timberland footwear would carry their owners about 45 million miles-the equivalent of walking to Mars. Moreover, in one year, satisfied Timberland customers would comfortably walk 16 billion miles, the distance from Earth to the edge of our solar system-and back.

Although it can be said that the Timberland company has sold enough footwear to carry its customers out of this world, Timberland's Chief Executive Officer, Jeff Swartz, emphasizes his company's efforts to improve life on Earth. "While you earn a living," he says, "you have to be about creating liberty and justice for all." In other words, doing well is linked to doing good deeds. Hence, in addition to manufacturing clothing, Timberland invests heavily in City Year, a national organization that brings young people into public service for a year. Timberland also initiated Path of Service, which grants all 6,000 employees 40 hours of annual paid leave to pursue volunteer projects.

These social action projects, Jeff explains, are the outcome of his regular hr5oT dWml4t6 (talmud Torah, learning Torah). "Torah study influences how I operate as a businessman," he notes. "Investing in the community via service is one way I live Torah values in my life." When we asked Jeff to elaborate, he put his best foot forward.

BABA: Hi, Jeff. How do you find time in your busy schedule for Torah study?

JEFF: I need to study Torah regularly to feel whole and purposeful. I am mindful of Shammai, who taught, "Make your Torah study a fixed practice" (Pirkei Avot 1:15); and I am aware of Hillel's warning, "Do not say, 'When I am free, I will study,' for perhaps you will not become free" (Pirkei Avot 2:5). My rabbi taught me that everyone can put aside a fixed few moments every day to learn Torah-whether traveling on business, volunteering in the community, or trying to keep up with the legitimate pressures of life.

BABA: How often do you study Torah?

JEFF: I study Torah every morning before I pray. There are times in the predawn when I am learning, and I find my attention slipping, but I am quick to remind myself of the beauty and value in the words. Sometimes, the house is dark, everyone is asleep, and I close my eyes and let my hands just rest on the page. Then, I am ready to study again.

BABA: If you were a Timberland boot, what kind would you be?

JEFF: I would be an old pair of boots, worn, scratched, and broken in, the kind of boots you can kick on and off, and the pair you trust and have owned for 20 years.

BABA:What was your Jewish education like?

JEFF: I attended Hebrew school until becoming a bar mitzvah. Like so many in my generation, I found after-school Hebrew school frustrating. I learned to read the alef-bet, and precious little more.

About 18 years ago, with the help of kind teachers, I began to reintroduce Torah learning into my life. I worked hard to teach myself to learn in Hebrew, and my rabbi challenged me to learn the six orders of the Mishnah. It took me nearly seven years to accomplish that task, but I will never forget how it felt when I finished. My new "homework" is to read through the Rambam's Mishneh Torah, which I have been doing for a year and a half.

BABA: Do you have a favorite teacher?

JEFF: I have been blessed with an almost embarrassing plethora of Torah teachers, from my youngest son, to some of the most distinguished rabbis of this generation. Most days, I love learning with the Rambam-who has been dead for 800 years! During the High Holy Days, I love learning with Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, who is also no longer alive. In synagogue, my rabbi teaches me constantly, whether by virtue of what he speaks, or how he acts.

BABA: By studying Torah, we follow the footsteps of our ancestors, and you lead a company that manufactures shoes and boots. Is this just a strange coincidence?

JEFF: There are no coincidences! My grandfather used to tell me that when you're not sure which way to go, you sometimes just put one foot in front of the other and start moving in a general direction. Keep your eyes on the prize, and your feet shuffling forward.

BABA: Thanks, Jeff, and happy Hanukkah.