Another pillar of educational theory emerges from a speech R. Hutner delivered at the Yeshiva of Eastern Parkway [Igros Pachad Yitzchak Page 134]. He begins by apologizing to the students for his inability to speak to each student individually due to time constraints. As the talk progresses, it becomes clear that this apology reflects not mere politeness but a profound idea.
R. Hutner states that R. Chaim of Volozhin insisted that his students be referred to as “bnei ha-yeshiva” rather than as “talmidei ha-yeshiva.” What accounts for this terminological distinction? To answer this question, R. Hutner reports a clever response that he received from a young yeshiva student. He asked the student if he relates to his secular studies teachers in the way he relates to rabbeim, and if not, to describe the difference. The student replied that a teacher of secular studies resembles a cook dispensing food, whereas the rebbe resembles a nursing mother. A mother gives of her essence to the child, while the cook provides food fully external to the provider. R. Hutner praises this answer, declaring that this child has a glorious learning future.
One can view teaching as the giving over of resources of information, without that information impacting on the life of the instructor. Conversely, the ideas can be part of the teacher’s personal quest for a more moral and spiritual existence. R. Hutner indicates his preference for the latter model, which resembles a mother more than a cook. William Barrett writes that the ancient Greeks philosophized as part of a quest for the true and the good, while contemporary academic philosophers are often simply doing a job without any sense that it affects who they are. R. Hutner’s idea reminds us that the most important kind of education does more than transmit information.
The parable explains R. Chaim Volozhin’s insistence on the term “bnei ha-yeshiva.” He wanted students to receive food from nursing mothers giving of their essence. It also explains R. Hutner’s opening remark that he would prefer individual meetings. A cook gives out food to many recipients simultaneously, but the nursing mother nourishes only one child at a time.
[From VBM-torah.org]
That is why a Torah teacher must be filled with goodness. We want the students to eat a spiritually healthy meal.
פלאי פלאות
