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I have always been fascinated by the laws of the Ben
Sorer Umore (rebellious child, Deut. 21:14-21). Though the rabbis debate whether such a
scenario was ever meant to play out (B. Sanhedrin 71a), the idea that a young
man, just having reached the age of mitzvot and barely having developed any
sort of routine, can be punished so harshly for what appear to be relatively
minor infractions is a difficult one.
The challenge of understanding the Torah’s perspective toward this child
is compounded, however, by a glaring contradiction between its treatment of the
Ben Sorer Umore and that of Yishmael (Gen. 21:14-21).
Whereas the Ben Sorer Umore is put to death in an attempt to prevent any further transgressions, Yishmael’s life was preserved despite the obvious concerns with his behavior and that of his progeny (see Rashi’s comments in both places). What does the Torah find so concerning with the Ben Sorer Umore and why did the same fear not exist regarding Yishmael?
One solution to this problem emanates from a theme that appears central to both Torah portions. In this week’s Torah reading the primary criticism of the Ben Sorer Umore is that “he doesn’t listen to the voice of his father or mother.” The Ben Sorer Umore fails to listen to the encouragement, direction and reproof provided to him by his parents and it is that failure that seals his fate. In contrast, Yishmael’s very name contains the concept of listening, though technically the reference is to Hashem listening, and implies that Yishmael possessed the capacity to listen to the messages directed toward him and learn from them. As such, we can suggest that a critical predictor of success from the Torah’s perspective is one’s ability to listen and that is why Yishmael was spared.
I can’t think of an environment in which listening is more central than that of school. Students are constantly challenged to listen and learn from their teachers, classmates and role models as they work to achieve their goals. In addition, and possibly more important, the faculty is continuously working to listen to students, parents, and each other as they make every effort to promote the success of each individual and create the best learning environment possible for the student body. Educators and experts have increasingly emphasized the critical importance of active listening, and it has been hailed as one of the keys to effective learning, leading, and parenting.
As we enter the holiday season, with high hopes that our own prayers be heard and accepted, may we continue to open our ears and our hearts to those around us, and may we learn from the messages sent our way each and every day.
The YA family is invited to join us for our inaugural ‘Lunch and learn’ program on Monday September 19th at noon in our media center. Participants can bring their own lunch or order it through Elegant Essen by emailing Ethne Freedberg at efreedberg@yeshivaatlanta.org. Please feel encouraged to attend and to bring friends!
Have a good Shabbos,
Asher Yablok
Whereas the Ben Sorer Umore is put to death in an attempt to prevent any further transgressions, Yishmael’s life was preserved despite the obvious concerns with his behavior and that of his progeny (see Rashi’s comments in both places). What does the Torah find so concerning with the Ben Sorer Umore and why did the same fear not exist regarding Yishmael?
One solution to this problem emanates from a theme that appears central to both Torah portions. In this week’s Torah reading the primary criticism of the Ben Sorer Umore is that “he doesn’t listen to the voice of his father or mother.” The Ben Sorer Umore fails to listen to the encouragement, direction and reproof provided to him by his parents and it is that failure that seals his fate. In contrast, Yishmael’s very name contains the concept of listening, though technically the reference is to Hashem listening, and implies that Yishmael possessed the capacity to listen to the messages directed toward him and learn from them. As such, we can suggest that a critical predictor of success from the Torah’s perspective is one’s ability to listen and that is why Yishmael was spared.
I can’t think of an environment in which listening is more central than that of school. Students are constantly challenged to listen and learn from their teachers, classmates and role models as they work to achieve their goals. In addition, and possibly more important, the faculty is continuously working to listen to students, parents, and each other as they make every effort to promote the success of each individual and create the best learning environment possible for the student body. Educators and experts have increasingly emphasized the critical importance of active listening, and it has been hailed as one of the keys to effective learning, leading, and parenting.
As we enter the holiday season, with high hopes that our own prayers be heard and accepted, may we continue to open our ears and our hearts to those around us, and may we learn from the messages sent our way each and every day.
The YA family is invited to join us for our inaugural ‘Lunch and learn’ program on Monday September 19th at noon in our media center. Participants can bring their own lunch or order it through Elegant Essen by emailing Ethne Freedberg at efreedberg@yeshivaatlanta.org. Please feel encouraged to attend and to bring friends!
Have a good Shabbos,
Asher Yablok
