There are those students who come to you and ask for guidance. And there are others who sit quietly and do not ask.
Those who ask require an answer. Those who do not ask, require much more.
A real teacher is one who goes to the student, awakens the student, and demands, “Why don’t you bother me, my student? Ask me! Speak to me!”
I am the student who did not ask. I am asking now: My faith in HaShem was shaken and then faded away until almost nothing was left. I am looking for a way to return but find it very hard to let go of doubt. I know that HaShem is above and beyond all existence because He created everything. Considering how big the Universe is, where is He, and how can I be certain that HaShem’s intentions for me are good? Reply
Thank You, G-D for everything!
Shalom Aleichem, Norbert!
Norbert, you say "I know that HaShem is above and beyond all existence because He created everything."
I also concluded G-d exists after looking at the things G-d created and marveling at their design, construction and function.The various lifeforms.The human body. Moment of conception, birth, brains and emotions. Deep sea and outer space. Colors. These made me in awe of G-d and I began to love Him. Also I began to Fear the Power of The Creator we depend upon to RE-create everything over and over again every single moment. Without the Re-creation there would be nothing, again. I am grateful to G-d for this so i do mitzvot. Was your Faith shaken because you felt G-d should have done something differently? Maybe you begged G-d for something and He did not comply? There are satisfying answers to these questions. Why not search for a Chabad Center near you on the home page of this site and speak with a Rabbi? G-d bless you.
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I don't bother you because I do not know you expect or ask it. Reply
A Torah student who cares about his teacher must be happy to be quiet if his rabbi needs time to rest or recharge. Can G-d love one who exhausts his teacher without a thought? It seems a burdensome chore to be a great teacher...or perhaps the chore is having a tiresome student. Reply
Don't wait to be asked I have taught and lectured for many years. In that time I have come across many students. As you say, some ask, some don't. I have always encouraged discussion in my classes. Here again, some students partake in the discussion and some don't. When one gets to know ones students I feel that it is up to the teacher to gently bring the non participating students "out of themselves" until they actually want to take part in discussions and/or want to come to me and discuss things. In this way I have seen many "very quiet" students begin taking part in class - and eventually these students feel very good about partaking. So yes, I agree 100% that it is the duty of a teacher to know his/her students and in this way get them to willingly take an active role in class. I have seen some amazing changes in students when, with understanding and effort, the teacher initiates this whole process. I remember very well how some of my teachers lacked the understanding and effort to do this. Reply
Very interesting. Some students participate and some don't. Unfortunately , our convenience connects us only with participating ones who already in most cases are good in studies and the other students remain as such. Little extra efforts by teachers bring the other at extra ordinary levels. Reply
frequently true... sometimes questions, as in Torah, answer themselves sooner or later....sometimes a student takes time to formulate questions...it is good to communicate! Reply
Don't wait to be asked Yes, a good teacher has student participation. This is part of the process of transferring knowledge. Reply
Teacher.
Baruch Ha-Shem.
You finally got one right, Reb.
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Children learn at home whether or not they are a bother. As one of 6 children in an abusive and neglectful home, it was safer not to be seen or heard. I was the "mouse" in the family and terrified of my own shadow. Although I have worked hard all of my life and made good grades, when I did rotations I got "not interested" comments because I was so shy. I would just go home and look up the answers if I had questions. This always surprised me because I loved learning and admired most of my teachers. Although I have learned to interact with my patients, it is much harder to participate in a group especially when I feel ignorant. I really appreciate rabbis/teachers who help me know and meet their expectations whether it is to ask questions or not.