Many parents and roshei yeshivos of yeshivos
ketanos must guide boys finishing yeshivos ketanos
with regard to their future in yeshivos gedolos.
Doubtless this is a decisive step for these boys, a step
that informs their entire life and spiritual prominence.
Unfortunately quite often the considerations involved are
not objective and ulterior motives are mixed into this
crucial decision. We therefore find it fitting to publicize
chosen educational principles from the Imrei Da'as of
HaRav Michel Yehudah Lefkovitz, the rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas
Ponevezh LaTze'irim in Bnei Brak and a member of the Moetzes
Gedolei HaTorah in Eretz Yisroel. Unquestionably much more
benefit is gained from studying at length the Imrei
Da'as itself, but because of the matter's importance and
urgency at this period these valuable excerpts will surely
be advantageous.
Accept a Rav on Oneself
Just thinking about going to yeshiva gedoloh awakens
in young boys the feeling of their soon becoming
"independent." Although until this stage it was essential
for them to listen to a maggid shiur and study Torah
from him, they can now study without any help. Even though
they will be hearing shiurim and actively
participating in them, each one feels as if he is somewhat
of a rov himself. It is very dangerous to feel like this and
such feelings interfere with a talmid's progress in
Torah and in reaching perfection of character.
We learn of the enormous difference between someone who
truly studies from a rov and someone who studies by himself,
being his own rov, from the Midrash (Midrash Rabbah
Devorim 1:8): R' Shimon said: "This can be compared to a
talmid walking with his rov who sees coal thrown by
the wayside. [The talmid] who mistakenly thinks it to
be a precious stone, picks it up and scalds himself. Some
days later he again walks with his rov and notices a
precious stone. [The talmid] presumes it to be a coal
and is afraid to touch it. His rov says: `Pick it up since
it is a precious stone.'"
This is the definition of a rov. Without his guidance a
talmid can mistakenly think a hazardous burning coal
is a precious stone. Only through a rov's counsel, through
his clarifying matters to the talmid, can he
differentiate between a "burning coal" and a "precious
stone."
I heard the following from HaRav Dovid Povarsky zt'l,
a rosh yeshiva in Yeshivas Ponevezh, about the vital
need to accept upon oneself a rov. After HaRav Chaim of
Volozhin was niftar, his talmid, HaRav Zalman
of Salant, despite his being already great in Torah and
yiras Shomayim, travelled to Posen to study Torah
from HaRav R' Akiva Eiger. HaRav Zalman said that he must
fulfill what Chazal teach us "Appoint upon yourself a rov"
(Ovos 1:6).
Tefilloh and Mussar
When a talmid starts studying in yeshiva gedoloh
it is necessary for him to know that tefilloh is
a dominant factor in a person's success and importance in
life. A talmid must therefore be careful to come on
time to the tefillos and improve the way he
davens. Furthermore, during the time allocated by the
yeshiva he needs to study mussar diligently, a major
cornerstone in forming character.
Most important is being careful not to acquire any bad
friends or roommates. Even those who sit together with him
around the same table should be of exemplary character. His
friends should be yirei Shomayim. A true friend is
one from whom he can obtain spiritual benefit. A great many
talmidim have been ruined because of their
befriending improper friends.
Acquire a Friend for Yourself
Another point.
Frequently young boys want to feel themselves "big." This is
every person's natural feeling. When someone starts
yeshiva gedoloh he must be exceptionally wary of such
a feeling since a person's primary success is when he feels
just the opposite: feeling like an innocent child with a
true desire to study Torah . . . One's only aspiration must
be to succeed in Torah and to coming in close proximity of
those who can offer him advice and direct him in the right
way to study Torah.
Distancing Oneself from Competition
The key factor that prevents a person from succeeding in his
studies is faulty middos such as jealousy. Each
talmid who begins studying in a new yeshiva must
first instill in his heart a strong connection to that
yeshiva and tangibly feel that, "This is where I belong.
Here is the place where I must grow and elevate myself,
benefit from the Rosh Yeshiva, from the Mashgiach, and from
the Ramim, and from everyone." His aim should be to seek
chochmah.
We all know that there are places renowned for directing
their students in good middos, while there are places
where very frequently individuals suffer from breakdowns.
Each one of us must take this into mind, distance himself
from competition, try to help each other, and be constantly
concerned about how to help others.
As written above, these are merely a few chosen excerpts
about the transition period from yeshiva ketanoh to
yeshiva gedoloh. It is only a drop in the ocean of
what is contained in this gaon's shmuessen. Our only
intention is to disclose some vital points regarding this
issue, and those who really want to enjoy genuine
instruction in various spiritual matters will find it in
Imrei Da'as.
