Who Should Teach the Children?

The Midrash relates that when Mordechai learned of Haman’s wicked plot, he immediately gathered 22,000 Jewish children to study Torah with them. This caused a commotion on High, eliciting Divine mercy.

Mordechai was an adviser to the king. Had he nothing more important to do than busy himself with teaching Torah to small children?! But his success in guiding Esther properly, and Esther’s success in her pleading before Achashverosh, all began from Mordechai’s gathering the children and turning them into “Torah students.” It was this crucial event that brought about the Purim miracle.

No matter what the situation, you must see to it that every Jewish child studies Torah. Even if you are Chief Justice of the Jewish High Court – as Mordechai was in his time. As long there is a Jewish child who has no teacher, you have no choice – sit down and teach the child yourself!