Calling A Spade A Spade

In the summer of 1980 Rav Chaim Yaakov Goldvicht ztz"l came to the Lubavitcher Rebbe ztz"l and told him that he is supporting his son in the Ponovitch kollel and asked if he should encourage him to find a job teaching. The Rebbe told him that it is a zchus to support him and that he should remain in Kollel and that Torah should never be used as a "spade to dig with" i.e. a means of earning a living. [Torah should be studied for Torah's sake].

Many parents encourage their children to get smicha because this will enable them to get a job and earn money. So essentially. smicha is a 'Torah degree' just like an accounting or business degree. May G-d save us from such an attitude. Torah is holy and is not a menas to do anything other that give Hashem nachas ruach [כביכול]. Even when one does take a position that will earn him a salary, the intention should be to spread Torah and the salary only incidental in order to avoid starving to death.

He also told the Rebbe that Kerem B'yavneh started a program where the boys just learn and don't serve in the army but some of the balabatim aren't happy about it. The Rebbe told him that their displeasure is a good sign and quoted a story from Chazal to prove it.

I had a lot of pleasure watching this video. I hope the link works.

Yechi yechi:).