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Chovat Hatalmidim: Message to Teachers and Parents (04) |
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In reference to educating children, the word "hinuch" connotes cultivation of the child's potential - which may be somewhat hidden - to the point of fruition. And as every Jewish child has within them a pure, God-given soul, we need to raise the child and educate him to reveal his true inner soul, such that he may grow spiritually and develop into a loyal, God-fearing Jew, motivated to further pursue Torah wisdom on his own, such that even as he grows old he will not head off the proper path. But if - instead of educating - we focus on issuing edicts and force of habit, there are no assurances that the child or pupil will, in fact, remain loyal to the parent's or teacher's instruction when the child grows into an independent adult. Again, that is King Solomon's message, "educate the child in accord with his inclinations"; educate him, get inside his head and reveal his hidden and holy Jewish soul. Only then, "even as he grows old it will not leave him".
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