The Way to Teach
„One must attune the spirit by removing the 'ruts of the roads' that stood as an obstacle to the way of the spirit, and to teach the majesty and glory... so that the deeds will be close to their heart, and then we will endeavor to repair the deeds.”From LeNevuchei HaDor 43
The Gemara in tractate Bava Kamma brings an exceptional permission, whereby one is permitted to enter a private field in a case where the main road is difficult to pass. "The ruts of the roads" is the mud that hardens after the rain and becomes sharp like stakes, and accordingly makes walking on the road difficult. In such a state one is permitted to walk in the adjacent field even if it is cultivated. Rav Kook explains that in the ways of education and repentance one is sometimes permitted to deviate from the main road in education and in the mitzvot, in order to bring back the spirit — to understand that sometimes there is a need to step aside in order to stay on the path. Let us wish our children teachers and educators who know how to adapt the way.
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A personal wish this time to Yehonatan, Yael, Talchaim, Hillel, and Maayan Oz for the school year, together with all the children of Israel.
From the community archive of Mishpetei HaRav Kook — studying Rav Kook's teachings since 2011.