Torah Revolution

The Sages list 48 qualities that one must possess in order to acquire true Torah knowledge. Among them are: “companionship with colleagues” and “discussion with students.” This means that you cannot be satisfied to be passionate in your own Torah study, rather you must engage everyone you can reach in the excitement of Torah, as well.

The Alter Rebbe brings down in his Laws of Torah Study that the commandment, “You shall teach your children,” also includes one’s students. This means that if there is anyone whom you can possibly reach to teach Torah, then you are considered a ‘Sage’ who is obligated to “Teach your children” – your students.

Teaching others as a form of ‘charity’ is a separate matter. Teaching others because you ‘fear G-d’ is a separate matter. The only way that you can acquire Torah and discover true insight is if you also succeed in bringing your fellow Jew a passion for Torah. And this “companionship with colleagues” and “discussion with students” will add depth, breadth and length to your own understanding in Torah as well.