Finally after moving from teachers to colleagues, we have arrived at the students. Anyone with any experience teaching and mentoring understands the ways that students shape and facilitate our own growth.
In the Talmud, Rav Naḥman bar Yitzḥak said:
"Why are Torah matters likened to a tree, as it is stated: 'It is a tree of life to those who lay hold upon it' (Proverbs 3:18)? This verse comes to tell you that just as a small piece of wood can ignite a large piece, so too, minor Torah scholars can sharpen great Torah scholars and enable them to advance in their studies. And this is what Rabbi Ḥanina said: I have learned much from my teachers and even more from my friends, but from my students I have learned more than from all of them"
(Taanit 7a)
This text could be a the cornerstones of the entire Kinyan Torah Project. Receptiveness to the wisdom and insights of students requires deep humility on the part of the teacher. Sometimes we think that we are already a luminous torch glowing bright with wisdom, only to realize that we still needed that spark to ignite our own passion and creativity.
Reflection:
Do you feel any blocks in your ability to learn from those 'below' you?
Is there a particular teacher/mentor in your life whose ability to learn from their students you want to emulate?
Lived practice:
Think of a student in your life, meaning anyone with whom you have/had a mentor-mentee relationship. Write down 3 things you learned from them. If possible, reach out to them and let them know what kind of impact they had on you.
