As a new school year begins, I always think about Rav Joseph B. Soloveitchik, and his description of how he felt entering his classroom in his older years. He said he never just saw the students in front of him — he saw generations. He would see the room filled not only with his students but with the greats of the generations before him; Reb Chaim Brisker, the Shach, Rashi, Rambam, Rabbeinu Tam, and even Rebbe Akiva. His classroom became a meeting place where centuries melted away and everyone — old and young — sat together in one great conversation of Torah.* That image is so powerful for me as a Tanach teacher. Every time I walk into a classroom, I am not just walking into this moment with my students, I am entering a space where generations meet and Torah becomes alive.
And yet, I also know something else. Students don’t walk in as blank slates. Sometimes along with the voices of the great parshanim (commentators) they hear difficult voices — memories of struggle or past frustrations with their Judaic learning. Along with the the voices of Rashi and Ramban, they may also hear echoes of their parents, teachers, or Rabbis that shaped their relationship with Torah. For some it may be amazingly positive and for others it may be somewhat negative. A true teacher must acknowledge all of that, get to know each student in their wholeness, and help them find their own unique way to connect to Torah. This work requires not only our dedication but also our prayers. Every morning in Birkat HaTorah, we say
ְוהַעֲרֶב נָא’ה אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ אֶת־דִּבְרֵי תוֹרָתְךָ בְּפִֽינוּ וּבְפִי עַמְּךָ בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל. וְנִהְיֶה אֲנַֽחְנוּ וְצֶאֱצָאֵֽינוּ וְצֶאֱצָאֵי עַמְּךָ בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל כֻּלָּֽנוּ יוֹדְעֵי שְׁמֶֽךָ וְלוֹמְדֵי תוֹרָתֶֽךָ לִשְׁמָהּ
Our God, please make the words of Your Torah pleasant in our mouths and in the mouths of Your people Israel. And may we and our descendants and the descendants of Your people the House of Israel, all know Your Name and be students of Your Torah for its own sake.
In these phrases, we ask Hashem to make Torah sweet — not only for us, but also for our children. We cannot assume it will be automatic. It is not a given.
We put in our own effort to achieve this goal, but we also ask for Hashem’s help in this holy work.
But even before this plea, we launch our day with Modeh Ani — which ends with the phrase רבה אמונתך — that Hashem has immense faith in us. It is no surprise that these Tefilot are said each morning as we commence the day. Rabah Emunatecha is an amazing declaration! We begin with this affirmative “pep talk” from Hashem. You can do it! And then we ask for help because we know it’s not easy.
As the second week of school ends, I hope we can all internalize this message of emunah (faith), intertwined with petition — the belief that Hashem will aid us, while also remaining steadfast in His faith in us:
-in us as teachers, to bring patience, passion, and kindness into the classroom;
-in our students, that they are worthy, precious, and full of potential;
-and in all of you, as parents, to nurture your children’s unique journeys with love, compassion, and unwavering support for who they are becoming.
Shabbat Shalom
–Mrs. Gabi Gelman
*(You can see the full text of this description here.)
