“RABBI’S MUSINGS (& AMUSINGS)”
Erev Shabbos Kodesh parshas Korach (EY – Chukas)
4 Tamuz 5780/June 26, 2020
Avos perek 4
DARE DEAR
The following is
the letter I wrote to Heichal HaTorah’s graduating Class of 2020 for their
yearbook:
Sivan 5780/June 2020
Dare Graduates!
No, that’s not a typo. That’s my message to you, dear
graduates.
Rabbi Simcha Zissel Ziv, the Alter of Kelm noted that it
is commonly believed that the difference between a hero and a coward is that
the coward is beset by fear, while the hero is not afraid. But this is
incorrect.
In truth, both the hero and the coward may be intimidated
and frightened by the prospects of the unknown they are facing. The difference
is however, that the coward flees from the source of his fear, while the hero
is propelled forward despite his fear. The coward seeks the path of least
resistance, while the hero relentlessly readies himself for a long arduous
journey.
All of us in Yeshiva - the hanhala, rabbeim and teachers
- have invested tremendously into helping you externalize the individual
greatness you each possess. As you continue to traverse the roads of life, you
will inevitably encounter resistance and struggles. Your most important asset
is your inner greatness. But you have to believe in yourself and have the
courage to stay the course.
In Parshas Shelach, Rashi notes that when Moshe
dispatched the spies, they were worthy of the mission. The Medrash states that
Hashem Himself had vouched for the worthiness of each of the spies. If
so, what caused them to sin so egregiously?
Rav Yecheskel Abramsky zt’l, Chazon Yecheskel, explains that
there are individuals who achieve a level of greatness and maintain those
levels as long as they remain in pure surroundings, surrounded by people of
stature. However, as soon as they leave those surroundings they fall prey to
negative influences. A person leaving a holy environment must be wary and
conscientious of the danger surrounding him and he must be michazek himself to
maintain his level.
When the Meraglim departed, they were indeed holy men of
stature. But once they had left the spiritually protected environment of Moshe
and Aharon, they stumbled spiritually and disaster ensued.
Rav Mendel Kaplan zt’l once quipped that people think a
yeshiva is like a gas station, where you fill up so you can proceed. But in
truth a yeshiva is a gymnasium. During your time there you have to work out
your spiritual muscles!
A Rebbe of mine was a talmid of the Philadelphia yeshiva
for over a decade. When he was leaving to move to an out of town
community he went to say farewell to his Rosh Yeshiva, Rav Elya Svei zt’l. Rav
Elya shook his hand warmly and said, “Now we will see what we really taught
you!” At first my rebbe was insulted - only now would they see what they taught
him? But with time he understood that the greatest challenge is whether one can
live by all the values he learned, even outside the spiritual confines of
yeshiva.
Dovid Hamelech expressed this idea in Tehillim: “Go my
sons, listen to me, the fear of Hashem I will teach.” His goal was to teach his
sons how to be G-d-fearing when they are going, i.e. leaving him and stepping
into the challenges of society.
My friends, now is the time when we will see how much you
have learned and grown at Heichal.
Never fear the road ahead because Hashem is with
you and rooting for your success. And we will do our utmost to remain there for
you as well. Please maintain that connection.
Be daring, courageous, and never lose sight and perspective
of your ultimate goals and aspirations.
Dare Graduates, dare!
עם הנצח לא
מפחד מדרך ארוכה.
With friendship and affection,
Rabbi Dani Staum