SHABBAT SHALOM
As we start the book of Vaykira this Shabbat, we see that there is a variable sin offering whose cost depends on what the person committing the sin can afford. Although this offering fulfills the obligation of the poor person, not only would it not fulfill the obligation of a wealthy person, but he would also be guilty of an additional sin. The Chofetz Chaim compares this offering to charity, noting that if a man of wealth were to give the same amount as someone with very little money he would certainly not fulfill his obligation.
Beginning teachers frequently expect that every student will be able to completely master all of the material taught. Often after some time these teachers realize that, while high expectations for all is good, each student has a different level of experience, a different approach to learning, and a different learning profile, and some may not in fact learn 100% of what we may wish. These teachers often modify their expectation (appropriately) to each person giving her best effort. There are times when even this "best personal effort" is variable, as students are obviously less available to give this amount of effort when going through a difficult personal or family situation. Even as these levels become more refined, however, it is important to hold expectations for each student high and let the student know when she is not meeting the appropriate level of expectation for her at this particular time. To do otherwise would be a disservice to her. In the same way that the wealthy do not fulfill the mitzvah of charity by giving at a low level, neither does the most capable student meet expectations by performing at a lower level, even though that amount of effort may be perfectly appropriate from a student less capable or one who is going through a difficult time.
May we all strive to achieve our own personal potential in all that we do each day.
Beginning teachers frequently expect that every student will be able to completely master all of the material taught. Often after some time these teachers realize that, while high expectations for all is good, each student has a different level of experience, a different approach to learning, and a different learning profile, and some may not in fact learn 100% of what we may wish. These teachers often modify their expectation (appropriately) to each person giving her best effort. There are times when even this "best personal effort" is variable, as students are obviously less available to give this amount of effort when going through a difficult personal or family situation. Even as these levels become more refined, however, it is important to hold expectations for each student high and let the student know when she is not meeting the appropriate level of expectation for her at this particular time. To do otherwise would be a disservice to her. In the same way that the wealthy do not fulfill the mitzvah of charity by giving at a low level, neither does the most capable student meet expectations by performing at a lower level, even though that amount of effort may be perfectly appropriate from a student less capable or one who is going through a difficult time.
May we all strive to achieve our own personal potential in all that we do each day.
