“RABBI’S MUSINGS (& AMUSINGS)”
Erev Shabbos Kodesh parshas Besalach –
Shabbos Shirah
16 Shevat 5781/January 29, 2021
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HOLDING THE KEY
During
our children’s midwinter break this week, we enjoyed an overnight trip at a
hotel in the Pocono Mountains.
While
the rest of the family was enjoying some of the hotel attractions, I went with
our son Avi to transport our luggage from our car to our room. When Avi arrived
at our room holding some luggage, he asked me where the key was. I told him
that the key was on his wrist. When we checked in, we were all given plastic
wristbands which would allow us to use the hotel attractions. Inside the
wristband was a thin computerized thingamajig (that’s the scientific term)
which was preprogrammed to digitally unlock the door to our room.
I
informed Avi that my bracelet would only open the door of the second room we
had reserved. Only he could get us into the room we were standing in front of.
He was skeptical until he held his hand next to the door, which immediately
activated a green light, unlocking the door.
The
Chovas HaTalmidim (The Student’s Obligation) was written by the Piaseczena
Rebbe and published in 1932. The Rebbe wrote the masterful ethical work directly
addressing the youthful student reader, guiding him on the path to greatness.
The sefer contains poignant insights that resonate with any aspiring and
seeking individual. Many of the ideas that the Rebbe recorded were very
progressive in his day but are now accepted fundamental ideas regarding
contemporary chinuch.
I have
had the pleasure of studying the Sefer with my students in Heichal HaTorah each
morning, before we start learning gemara. I’m not sure who enjoys it more – them
or me.
One of
the most powerful ideas that the Rebbe writes is that the most important and
significant educator in a person’s life is himself (or herself)! One’s parents,
rebbeim, and mentors can only serve as guides and motivators from the side to
steer him in the right direction. But ultimately it is only he himself who can
foster the greatness within and capitalize on the potential he innately
possesses. Essentially, the key to unlocking his inner greatness lies within
him alone.
Similarly,
regarding marriage people will sometimes note how much someone changed after
they get married, adding that their spouse really changed them. The reality is
that there is no such thing as changing anyone else. What really occurred was
the spouse really wanted to change/improve, and the marriage provided with the
added fuel or encouragement needed to achieve what was really desired.
The
truth is that it even goes beyond one’s personal growth. We all influence our
surroundings for good or for better. When we discover the key within ourselves
it helps activate the openings of the heretofore locked doors of others as well.
Shabbat Shalom & Good Shabbos,
R’ Dani and Chani Staum