HaRav Ezrachi speaking. Seated next to him are HaRav Shmuel Kamenetsky and HaRav Dovid Feinstein.
"Emunas chachomim is a primary fundament for the good, and conversely," were the rousing words of HaRav Boruch Mordechai Ezrachi, Rosh Yeshivas Ateres Yisroel and member of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah, in a historic tour of inspiring talks throughout many Jewish communities in the U.S. Special focus was placed on the future of pure education, together with the participation of members of the Agudath Israel's Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of America. HaRav Ezrachi was the keynote speaker addressing hundreds of educators in a speech of direction and guidance in chinuch.
The convention took place in Lakewood and was attended by hundreds who requested a question-and-answer session regarding the various issues so as to receive instruction from the eminent speaker. We present several of those questions and the answers given:
In what area must a mechanech invest most?
He must remain focused that his uppermost goal is the benefit of the student, and similarly, that his profession is a prestigious one at the front line of importance and esteem which incorporates a heavy sense of responsibility. Every spiritual development of the student depends heavily upon the teacher.
What can be done with a slow student?
One must think of ways to cause him to succeed, since in general, the problem lies is a lack of self-esteem. A student should be made to discover his own unique strengths. There is no such thing as a bad student, only a melamed who is not executing his responsibility sufficiently.
How can one give a student geshmak in his learning?
There are two ways. The first is to make the material interesting, which is possible throughout the Torah which is pure nectar and honey. One must discover this and provide the flavor and see to it that the student is challenged. One must show him that every subject has its appealing points and mental challenges which he can solve. The melamed must guide him, show him the way and stimulate him to desire to increase his knowledge.
How can one increase Yiras Shomayim in a student in these times?
One must explain the privilege in performing Hashem's mitzvos. The melamed must also be a personal role model, since this has as much an influence upon the student as the study material itself.
