Rabbi
Doniel Staum, LMSW
Doniel Staum, LMSW
Rabbi,
Kehillat NewHempstead
Kehillat New
Social
Worker, Yeshiva Bais Hachinuch
Worker, Yeshiva Bais Hachinuch
STAM
TORAH
TORAH
PARSHAS
BAMIDBAR 5773
BAMIDBAR 5773
“ELITE
STAGNANCY”
STAGNANCY”
Rabbi Yisroel Reisman[1]
related that after a few years of teaching he missed the intensity of learning
on his own. He decided to take a year off so that he could sit in kollel and
learn full time. That summer he presented his idea to his Rebbe, Rabbi Avrohom
Pam zt’l. He was surprised that Rav Pam did not concur with his idea. Rav Pam
explained, “Once you begin teaching, your focus should no longer be on your
personal growth. You are now a Rebbe, responsible to your disciples.”
related that after a few years of teaching he missed the intensity of learning
on his own. He decided to take a year off so that he could sit in kollel and
learn full time. That summer he presented his idea to his Rebbe, Rabbi Avrohom
Pam zt’l. He was surprised that Rav Pam did not concur with his idea. Rav Pam
explained, “Once you begin teaching, your focus should no longer be on your
personal growth. You are now a Rebbe, responsible to your disciples.”
Rav Pam noted that many great Torah
leaders sacrificed much of their own Torah learning so they could teach others.
The great Kaminetzer Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Boruch Ber Leibowitz zt’l, would tell
his students, “Know that were it not for you, I could have studied all areas of
Torah – and mastered them. It is for you that I have sacrificed this. I beg you
to make sure that my sacrifice was not in vain.”
leaders sacrificed much of their own Torah learning so they could teach others.
The great Kaminetzer Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Boruch Ber Leibowitz zt’l, would tell
his students, “Know that were it not for you, I could have studied all areas of
Torah – and mastered them. It is for you that I have sacrificed this. I beg you
to make sure that my sacrifice was not in vain.”
There was another Rebbe who would
constantly ask Rav Pam when he would have time to master portions of Torah that
he had not yet had an opportunity to learn. Rav Pam’s response was emphatic and
terse, “Now, your time is for your students!” The Rebbe was persistent, “But
what will I reply to the heavenly tribunal after I pass from this world and they
demand to know why I didn’t complete studying the entire Torah?” Rav Pam
replied, “You’re an onus (you cannot
be held accountable)”. The Rebbe asked if he could quote Rav Pam on that. Rav
Pam nodded and replied, “one hundred percent”.
constantly ask Rav Pam when he would have time to master portions of Torah that
he had not yet had an opportunity to learn. Rav Pam’s response was emphatic and
terse, “Now, your time is for your students!” The Rebbe was persistent, “But
what will I reply to the heavenly tribunal after I pass from this world and they
demand to know why I didn’t complete studying the entire Torah?” Rav Pam
replied, “You’re an onus (you cannot
be held accountable)”. The Rebbe asked if he could quote Rav Pam on that. Rav
Pam nodded and replied, “one hundred percent”.
The first Rashi in Chumash Bamidbar
explains that because G-d loves His Nation He constantly counts them.
Therefore, when Klal Yisroel leftEgypt
calf, and currently when G-d was about to rest His Shechinah (Divine Spirit) on
them, He counted them.
explains that because G-d loves His Nation He constantly counts them.
Therefore, when Klal Yisroel left
calf, and currently when G-d was about to rest His Shechinah (Divine Spirit) on
them, He counted them.
Shevet Levi was counted separately from the
rest of the nation, demonstrating their elevated status as the tribe who would
perform the service in the Mishkan. Before the Torah begins its narrative of
the counting process for Shevet Levi, the Torah lists a brief genealogy of the
family of Moshe and Aharon.
rest of the nation, demonstrating their elevated status as the tribe who would
perform the service in the Mishkan. Before the Torah begins its narrative of
the counting process for Shevet Levi, the Torah lists a brief genealogy of the
family of Moshe and Aharon.
“These are the offspring of Aharon and
Moshe on the day Hashem spoke to Moshe on Har Sinai. These are the names of the
sons of Aharon, the firstborn was Nadav, and Avihu, Elazar, and Isamar… Nadav
and Avihu died before Hashem when they offered an alien fire before Hashem in
the Wilderness of Sinai…[2]”
Rashi[3]
notes that although the Torah introduces the sons of Aharon AND Moshe, “It
mentions none but the sons of Aharon. They are called ‘the offspring of Moshe’
because he taught them Torah. This teaches us that whoever teaches his friend’s
son Torah, the Torah views him as if he fathered him.” What is the meaning
behind the analogy of one who teaches someone Torah to fathering a child?
Moshe on the day Hashem spoke to Moshe on Har Sinai. These are the names of the
sons of Aharon, the firstborn was Nadav, and Avihu, Elazar, and Isamar… Nadav
and Avihu died before Hashem when they offered an alien fire before Hashem in
the Wilderness of Sinai…[2]”
Rashi[3]
notes that although the Torah introduces the sons of Aharon AND Moshe, “It
mentions none but the sons of Aharon. They are called ‘the offspring of Moshe’
because he taught them Torah. This teaches us that whoever teaches his friend’s
son Torah, the Torah views him as if he fathered him.” What is the meaning
behind the analogy of one who teaches someone Torah to fathering a child?
The verse in Malachi[4]
states, “For the lips of the Kohain should safeguard knowledge, and people
should seek teaching from his mouth; for he is like the angel of G-d, master of
Legions.” Based on this verse, Rabbah bar Channah stated[5]:
“This comes to teach us that if the teacher resembles the angel of Hashem,
Master of Legions, then people may seek Torah instruction from his mouth. But
if not, then they may not seek Torah instruction from his mouth”.
states, “For the lips of the Kohain should safeguard knowledge, and people
should seek teaching from his mouth; for he is like the angel of G-d, master of
Legions.” Based on this verse, Rabbah bar Channah stated[5]:
“This comes to teach us that if the teacher resembles the angel of Hashem,
Master of Legions, then people may seek Torah instruction from his mouth. But
if not, then they may not seek Torah instruction from his mouth”.
What message is the Gemarah trying to
convey? In what way must a pedagogue be like an angel?
convey? In what way must a pedagogue be like an angel?
The Hafla’ah explains that teaching
requires patience, skill, and innovation. When one is well versed in a certain
subject and has even reached a level of expertise, it is a challenge to teach
it to an individual who is completely ignorant of the subject matter. Not only
must the teacher contemplate how to teach the subject but, at the same time, he
must inhibit his own growth because, while teaching what he already knows, he
cannot further his own knowledge.
requires patience, skill, and innovation. When one is well versed in a certain
subject and has even reached a level of expertise, it is a challenge to teach
it to an individual who is completely ignorant of the subject matter. Not only
must the teacher contemplate how to teach the subject but, at the same time, he
must inhibit his own growth because, while teaching what he already knows, he
cannot further his own knowledge.
Rabbah bar Channah was explaining that,
“selfish learning does not merit the guiding Divine light”. A human being
spends his life struggling against diametric forces within him of right and
wrong. An angel has no such challenge. His pristine purity cannot be
compromised by the forces of this world. However, his lack of challenge also
precludes an ability to grow. An angel doesn’t aspire for eternal reward; he
remains exactly as he was created, unfaltering yet stagnant.
“selfish learning does not merit the guiding Divine light”. A human being
spends his life struggling against diametric forces within him of right and
wrong. An angel has no such challenge. His pristine purity cannot be
compromised by the forces of this world. However, his lack of challenge also
precludes an ability to grow. An angel doesn’t aspire for eternal reward; he
remains exactly as he was created, unfaltering yet stagnant.
For a Rebbe/teacher to be successful he/she
must be willing to compromise personal growth in order to impart knowledge to
students. Just as an angel is spiritually stagnant so too a pedagogue must be
prepared to put his own learning on hold and remain ‘educationally stagnant’ in
order to teach others.
must be willing to compromise personal growth in order to impart knowledge to
students. Just as an angel is spiritually stagnant so too a pedagogue must be
prepared to put his own learning on hold and remain ‘educationally stagnant’ in
order to teach others.
In the vernacular of the Hafla’ah, “Even if
he must remain spiritually devoid of personal growth, still-in-all, he should
teach students in order to influence them through his Torah teaching, because
it is a tremendous and invaluable mitzvah to be able to assist others.” This is
the message of Rabbah bar Channah: if a Rebbe is analogous to an angel in the
sense that he is willing to forgo his own growth, only then should students seek
to learn from him.
he must remain spiritually devoid of personal growth, still-in-all, he should
teach students in order to influence them through his Torah teaching, because
it is a tremendous and invaluable mitzvah to be able to assist others.” This is
the message of Rabbah bar Channah: if a Rebbe is analogous to an angel in the
sense that he is willing to forgo his own growth, only then should students seek
to learn from him.
A Rebbe who has been teaching the same chapter
of Talmud for more than two decades or a Morah who has taught the same book of
Navi for many years may begin to feel somewhat jaded. Rabbah bar Channah
reassures them that the merit of their self- sacrifice is well worth it.
of Talmud for more than two decades or a Morah who has taught the same book of
Navi for many years may begin to feel somewhat jaded. Rabbah bar Channah
reassures them that the merit of their self- sacrifice is well worth it.
The Gemara[6]
states that in the future G-d will pacify the moon for minimizing its light at
the time of Creation by labeling the great tzaddikim with the title of the moon
‘hakatan’, e.g. “Shmuel hakatan”, “Dovid hakatan”[7].
states that in the future G-d will pacify the moon for minimizing its light at
the time of Creation by labeling the great tzaddikim with the title of the moon
‘hakatan’, e.g. “Shmuel hakatan”, “Dovid hakatan”[7].
Chasam Sofer notes that it is only because
the moon’s light was diminished that we can see the stars. If the moon’s light
was as powerful as the sun, we would hardly know that stars exist. Similarly, our
great teachers, who expend tremendous effort to teach and impart Torah and its
values to their students, minimize their own growth. They are analogous to the
moon for their sacrifice enables us to recognize the light of the ‘stars’, i.e.
the next generation, whose light has not yet reached its zenith.
the moon’s light was diminished that we can see the stars. If the moon’s light
was as powerful as the sun, we would hardly know that stars exist. Similarly, our
great teachers, who expend tremendous effort to teach and impart Torah and its
values to their students, minimize their own growth. They are analogous to the
moon for their sacrifice enables us to recognize the light of the ‘stars’, i.e.
the next generation, whose light has not yet reached its zenith.
The greatest demonstration of this concept is
that G-d Himself, as it were, did so when He left the holy upper worlds to give
Klal Yisroel the Torah on Sinai. It was from G-d’s example that Moshe
understood that, as the leader of Klal Yisroel, it was incumbent upon him to completely
avail himself to the nation, even at the cost of his own deeper understanding
of the intricacies and esoteric secrets of the Torah.
that G-d Himself, as it were, did so when He left the holy upper worlds to give
Klal Yisroel the Torah on Sinai. It was from G-d’s example that Moshe
understood that, as the leader of Klal Yisroel, it was incumbent upon him to completely
avail himself to the nation, even at the cost of his own deeper understanding
of the intricacies and esoteric secrets of the Torah.
With this in mind, Da’as Sofer[8]
offers a novel explanation of the aforementioned verse: “These are the
offspring of Aharon and Moshe”, i.e. the physical offspring of Aharon and the
spiritual offspring of Moshe who taught them Torah, “on the day G-d spoke to
Moshe on Har Sinai”. The Torah makes it a point to tell us that it was on Har
Sinai because it was specifically there that Moshe understood that it was his
obligation to teach Aharon’s sons Torah. From the fact that G-d had taken the
time and bother to speak to Moshe and to instruct him about the Torah, as it
were, Moshe understood that he had to do so as well.
offers a novel explanation of the aforementioned verse: “These are the
offspring of Aharon and Moshe”, i.e. the physical offspring of Aharon and the
spiritual offspring of Moshe who taught them Torah, “on the day G-d spoke to
Moshe on Har Sinai”. The Torah makes it a point to tell us that it was on Har
Sinai because it was specifically there that Moshe understood that it was his
obligation to teach Aharon’s sons Torah. From the fact that G-d had taken the
time and bother to speak to Moshe and to instruct him about the Torah, as it
were, Moshe understood that he had to do so as well.
The Medrash[9]
is troubled by the continuation of the verse which relates that the death of
Nadav and Avihu transpired in the desert of Sinai. In fact, Nadav and Avihu did
not die in the desert of Sinai. Why does the Torah say it was there? “Rather,
this is to teach us that from Sinai came the root-cause (lit. the poison) of
their death.” What does the Medrash mean?
is troubled by the continuation of the verse which relates that the death of
Nadav and Avihu transpired in the desert of Sinai. In fact, Nadav and Avihu did
not die in the desert of Sinai. Why does the Torah say it was there? “Rather,
this is to teach us that from Sinai came the root-cause (lit. the poison) of
their death.” What does the Medrash mean?
Da’as Sofer explains with another Medrash[10]
which states that Nadav and Avihu were killed because they never married and
had children. The commentators explain that Nadav and Avihu were such great
Torah scholars that they feared the responsibility of raising a family would
impinge on their ability to study. They chose to remain bachelors free to
devote their complete energy to Torah study. Therefore, the ‘poison’ of Nadav
and Avihu, i.e. the root-cause of their liability for death, came from Sinai
because they did not learn the lesson of Sinai. If G-d Himself was willing to
lower Himself to teach Klal Yisroel Torah, how could Nadav and Avihu decide not
to raise a family and educate them, even at the cost of self sacrifice?!
which states that Nadav and Avihu were killed because they never married and
had children. The commentators explain that Nadav and Avihu were such great
Torah scholars that they feared the responsibility of raising a family would
impinge on their ability to study. They chose to remain bachelors free to
devote their complete energy to Torah study. Therefore, the ‘poison’ of Nadav
and Avihu, i.e. the root-cause of their liability for death, came from Sinai
because they did not learn the lesson of Sinai. If G-d Himself was willing to
lower Himself to teach Klal Yisroel Torah, how could Nadav and Avihu decide not
to raise a family and educate them, even at the cost of self sacrifice?!
This is why one who teaches his friend’s
son Torah is analogous to the father himself. Who else besides a parent is
willing to sacrifice personal ambitions, aspirations, and goals for someone
else? Who else beside a parent would forgo personal hopes and dreams in order
to devote their energy to raising needy and at times obnoxious youths?
son Torah is analogous to the father himself. Who else besides a parent is
willing to sacrifice personal ambitions, aspirations, and goals for someone
else? Who else beside a parent would forgo personal hopes and dreams in order
to devote their energy to raising needy and at times obnoxious youths?
A teacher who is willing to forgo his/her
own growth to teach and educate others is no less than a parent, whose unbridled
love for their children overshadows the love they have for themselves.
own growth to teach and educate others is no less than a parent, whose unbridled
love for their children overshadows the love they have for themselves.
“These are the offspring of Aharon and
Moshe”
Moshe”
“For he is like the angel of G-d”
Today (Thursday, 27 Iyar)
is the yahrtzeit of my father-in-law’s mother, Mrs. Rose Mermelsetein a’h,
Rochel bas Yonah. This Shabbos (29 Iyar) will iy’h be the yahrtzeit of my
mother-in-law’s mother, Mrs. Chayka Kauer a’h, Chaya bas Dovid. I never merited
meeting either of these two outstanding women but yet I am somewhat familiar
with them through the legacies they have left behind. “Asaprah kivodcha v’lo ri’eseecha– I relate your praise though I
have never seen you”. I know these women because of the impression they have
left on their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends who live
and breathe their legacies.
is the yahrtzeit of my father-in-law’s mother, Mrs. Rose Mermelsetein a’h,
Rochel bas Yonah. This Shabbos (29 Iyar) will iy’h be the yahrtzeit of my
mother-in-law’s mother, Mrs. Chayka Kauer a’h, Chaya bas Dovid. I never merited
meeting either of these two outstanding women but yet I am somewhat familiar
with them through the legacies they have left behind. “Asaprah kivodcha v’lo ri’eseecha– I relate your praise though I
have never seen you”. I know these women because of the impression they have
left on their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends who live
and breathe their legacies.
If mothers generally are
willing to sacrifice for their children, how much greater is the sacrifice of
Jewish women who, not only sacrifice themselves to ensure the physical
well-being of their children but also to ensure the spiritual growth of their
children. What more can we say then, about Jewish mothers who raised their
children after enduring the draconian terrors of the Nazi beast and the
travails of World War II.
willing to sacrifice for their children, how much greater is the sacrifice of
Jewish women who, not only sacrifice themselves to ensure the physical
well-being of their children but also to ensure the spiritual growth of their
children. What more can we say then, about Jewish mothers who raised their
children after enduring the draconian terrors of the Nazi beast and the
travails of World War II.
Babby Rose was beaten over
the head by a Nazi during the war; she never fully recovered. Still-in-all, she
somehow managed to raise her three children as proud Torah Jews. She loved her
children and took great pride in their accomplishments. Our daughter (Aviva)
Rochel proudly carries her name.
the head by a Nazi during the war; she never fully recovered. Still-in-all, she
somehow managed to raise her three children as proud Torah Jews. She loved her
children and took great pride in their accomplishments. Our daughter (Aviva)
Rochel proudly carries her name.
Babbah Chaya was a beloved
neighbor and a devout friend. The quintessential Bubby, she could fill a house
with a heavenly aroma of Yom Tov and fill a heart with the beauty of our
people. At the end of her life, she moved toLakewood
pillars of the community.
neighbor and a devout friend. The quintessential Bubby, she could fill a house
with a heavenly aroma of Yom Tov and fill a heart with the beauty of our
people. At the end of her life, she moved to
pillars of the community.
May the memory of these two
outstanding and unique individuals be a blessing for their families and may
their neshamos be elevated to even higher levels of Divine Bliss.
outstanding and unique individuals be a blessing for their families and may
their neshamos be elevated to even higher levels of Divine Bliss.
[2] 3:1-4
[4] 2:7
[7] i.e. the
moon is called hakatan- the small one, for its light is dwarfed by the light of
the sun
moon is called hakatan- the small one, for its light is dwarfed by the light of
the sun
_______________________________________________________________________
“RABBI’S MUSINGS (& AMUSINGS)”
Erev Shabbos Kodesh Parshas Bamidbar
Rosh Chodesh Sivan 5773/May 10, 2013 – 45h day of the Omer
Pirkei Avos – perek 6 – Kinyan Torah
After ‘Frankenstorm Sandy’ the buzz question everyone was asking was “Do you have power yet?” In fact, people still discuss and compare how long their power was out after the storm.
That difficult period is still fresh enough in our minds that anytime a storm is predicted we become fearful of losing power. Still, it came as quite a surprise when two weeks ago on Thursday afternoon, as we were beginning our Shabbos preparations, our electricity suddenly went out. It was a beautiful day outside, and we had no idea what could have precipitated the outage.
Our first instinct was to call the electric company. Their recording began by asking us to determine the nature of the outage, including whether it’s a house issue or an entire area. It was clear that our whole area was down, so I called back.
By then, the answering machine had been changed and began with a recording informing us that they were aware of the situation and that the power would be back on in a few hours (1 a.m.!).
Meshech Chochma (Emor) explains that there is a fundamental difference between the nature of Shabbos and Yom Tov. Shabbos is dedicated to one’s personal connection with Hashem. It is a day of introspection and reflection on one’s own spiritual growth and determining whether he is fulfilling his aspirations and responsibilities, and whether he is living a purposeful life.
Yom Tov however, is dedicated to fostering relationships and camaraderie with one’s fellow Jews. It is a time to build our sense of community as a people. Therefore, in contradistinction to Shabbos, on Yom Tov one is allowed to cook and carry outside, because doing so enables people to rejoice together.
In a certain sense, Shabbos is about making sure that our internal power lines are hooked up to the main sources outside. Throughout the week, men wear tefillin which help them ‘plug in’ to a spiritual outlet, giving them a spiritual boost to carry them through the day. [Women don’t need to wear tefillin because, Chazal explain, they are more naturally ‘plugged in’…] On Shabbos we do not wear tefillin, because on Shabbos we ensure that the very source of our energy is firmly attached to it source. Shabbos is not just about plugging into the outlet, but about ensuring that the entire power box is receiving adequate electrical flow!
Yom Tov is about making sure that everyone is plugged in to our power grid, so that everyone can enjoy and benefit from the electricity together.
When one’s electricity comes back on it’s a great relief. One hopes that his neighbors and family will also get their power back as soon as possible. In the same vein, those who appreciate the incredible gift of Shabbos are not satisfied with their own ‘connection’, but wish they could spread that spiritual electricity to every Jew.
As the great Yom Tov of Shavuos approaches, may we all feel connected to Hashem and to each other.
Chodesh Tov & Good Chodesh
Shabbat Shalom & Good Shabbos,
R’ Dani and Chani Staum
720 Union Road • New Hempstead, NY 10977 • (845) 362-2425