There is a story told of Aristotle’s student, who one day entered his master’s home unannounced. To his astonishment, the student found Aristotle engaged in immoral behavior. Later, when they were alone, his student asked, “Is this the way of the great Aristotle—the philosopher, the teacher, the mentor? To which Aristotle replied, “That was Aristotle the philosopher. Here I am Aristotle the person.” Aristotle’s philosophy was disengaged from his everyday life.

The purpose of Jewish education is not to amass knowledge, but to teach us ethical, peaceful and moral behavior—to teach us to be refined people worthy of being called a “mentch.”

Thoughtstream: Today, I will focus on my child being a “mentch.”