Profession of the Jewish Child

Lag B’omer celebrates the Yahrzeit of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, and is a time to draw inspiration from his life’s work. Rabbi Shimon’s Torah study was so great that it was his “occupation,” a level unattained even by his greatest peers. But how, then, is a young child to attempt to emulate him? More

Rabbi Shimon’s example applies especially to children, because they have no responsibilities or financial burdens to distract them. They can devote all their time to studying Torah. Their dedication to Torah study leaves a deep impression on their busy parents, who will then try to make more time for exclusive Torah study, as well.

A Jew needs to eat, pursue a livelihood, and so on. But when he makes Torah his true focus, his studies permeate his entire day. Then, in truth, he is always involved in his true profession: Torah.

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