Songs of Praise

Nothing is more uplifting then a great song. A song's inspiration does not come from conveying an intellectual idea, nor is it the excitement of hearing something for the first time; as an old song awakens the spirit perhaps even more then a new one. The song's power is it's abilty to allow the soul to express itself.

Therefore, when the sages instituted that we praise Hashem during prayer, they called the verses of praise "verses of Song". For Hashem's praise must be sung. Like my favorite song, it awakenes my heart every time I sing it. Therefore, although I read the same prayer every day, it never failes to refresh my spirit and touch my heart.

Just like my favorite song.

(Torah Ohr, Bishalach)

Teach Me How To Teach

The Zohar tells the following story:

One time the world needed rain, so the students went to their teacher, Rabbi Shimon, and told him about the problem. He said to them: those of you who came for rain as well as those of you who came to hear words of Torah should stay here. He then began to expound on the verse "behold how good and how pleasant is the sitting of brothers together" and miraculously it began to rain.

On Lag Ba'omer 1978 the Rebbe related this story to his students; and asked: weren’t the students very clear about the reason for their coming to him? Did they not state clearly that the world needs rain? So why would he say to them "those of you who came to learn"?

This is a powerful message, says the Rebbe, about a real teacher. He sees within his students more then they can see within themselves. The students may have thought that all they want is rain. But their teacher knew better. He understood that deep down what they really wanted was Torah.

Most teachers address the student who is already seeking wisdom; the exceptional teacher discoverers a yearning for wisdom within every student.

(Lag Baomer 5778)