Rabbi Aharon Taussig once shared a deeply personal story. He had been offered a position to teach Torah—but he turned it down. Then, the very next day, someone else approached him with a different Torah teaching opportunity. The man tried to convince Rabbi Taussig by reminding him of a powerful teaching from the Gemara: “Anyone who learns Torah and doesn’t teach it is like a myrtle in the desert” (Rosh Hashanah 23a). In other words, if you’ve been blessed with the ability to share Torah, you must use it to help others. Just like a myrtle has a sweet scent for others to enjoy, so too should one’s Torah be shared.
Still unsure, Rabbi Taussig went to seek advice from his teacher, Rabbi Eliyahu Roth. As soon as Rabbi Roth heard the question, his expression turned serious. “This is a matter of life and death,” he said. He went on to explain a difficult Gemara (Avodah Zarah 19b) that brings a verse from Mishlei (Proverbs 7:26): “For many casualties she has caused to fall.” This, the Sages say, refers to someone who hasn’t yet reached the level to teach—but teaches anyway. “And numerous were all her slain,” refers to someone who is ready to teach but chooses not to. About this person, the Gemara says—one who could teach but holds back is spiritually endangering himself.
“When it’s the right time, you must teach,” said Rabbi Roth. “But when it’s not yet time, it’s forbidden.” He added that this principle is also found in the holy Zohar, the foundational work of Jewish mysticism.
Then Rabbi Roth’s voice changed. His face turned red, and his eyes welled with tears—as always happened when he remembered his own beloved teacher, the holy Rabbi Shlomo of Zvhil.
“If you do decide to accept one of the offers,” Rabbi Roth said, “let me share with you something the Rebbe once said.”
The Rebbe taught that every day, a heavenly voice calls out “Ashreichem!”—“Fortunate are you!”—to countless Jews: to community leaders, synagogue rabbis, heads of yeshivas, teachers of Torah classes, school principals, educators, and even kindergarten teachers. To anyone involved in guiding and teaching the children of Hashem, this voice declares how lucky they are.
As the Torah says: “Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom there is spirit, and lay your hand upon him” (Bamidbar/Numbers 27:18). What does “take” mean? Was Moshe really supposed to pick him up and carry him? Rashi explains that “take him” means: win him over with words. Tell him how fortunate he is to be trusted with Hashem’s children. And the same applied to the elders. Moshe was told to encourage them, too—because there is great reward for those who guide the Jewish People.
Then the Rebbe added: “There are some people to whom Hashem says ‘Ashreichem’—‘fortunate are you’—not once, but twice! Who are they?” the Rebbe asked. And he answered: “Those who teach children—boys or girls—and truly see their students as Hashem’s precious children. And if they see each and every child as Hashem’s only child—then they are doubly fortunate.”
Rabbi Taussig’s voice softens as he recalls what happened next. “Rabbi Roth took my hand and said with deep feeling: ‘Ahrale! I’m begging you—if you take the job, be one of those who are doubly fortunate. Don’t give up on any soul! Every Jew is a child of Hashem. Each one matters.’”
“The Torah speaks of four sons,” Rabbi Taussig added. “Not just the wise one.”
It was incredibly moving. And then another teaching came to mind—something the Rebbe of Strikover once shared in the name of his grandfather.
There’s a well-known Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 2:2) about how Hashem tested Moshe before choosing him as the leader of the Jewish people. Moshe was tending sheep, and one little goat ran off into the bushes. Moshe followed it until it reached a stream and drank. Realizing it was thirsty, Moshe gently picked it up and carried it back to the flock.
The test was this: Do you understand that each sheep in the flock is unique? That each one has its own needs and feelings? If so—if you care for even one little goat with such compassion—then you are worthy of leading Hashem’s people.
And so it is with us. Every Jewish child is Hashem’s child. And every educator, parent, or mentor who treats them that way brings light into the world.
Courtesy of the Dirshu website.
