Rashi cites the Sifri that interprets “your children” as referring even to one’s students, since the Torah views one’s students to be like his children. We may wonder why the Torah did not simply say, “You shall teach your students.” Why should this idea emerge only by inference? Horav Yechezkel Sarne, zl, responded with a profound insight. If one does not view his students as his children – then not only are they not his children – they are not even his students! The definition of a student is simple – a spiritual child related through the medium of Torah. By teaching Torah to this child, the rebbe has the capacity for creating and shaping a new being. Does that not define a parent-child relationship?
Horav Sarne extended this idea. Since the Torah uses the word “children” — not “students” — it indicates that the beginning of a rebbe’s relationship with his student should be as a father to a child. As the father is compassionate, caring for every little need of his child, regardless of its triviality, so, too, should the rebbe concern himself with his students’ necessities. The rebbe is first a father who must minister to his student/child’s physical and material needs. After he has exhibited the love and care that a father has for his child, only then can he imbue the student with Torah.
Horav Yaakov Ruderman, zl, applies this idea to the long-term relationship between a rebbe and his talmid. A son is a son forever. There is no time limit concerning this relationship. Likewise, the student maintains his kesher, relationship, with his rebbe – forever – even after he has left the Bais Ha’Midrash. After all, he is his child.
There is no doubt that this relationship should be reciprocal. As the rebbe views the student as his child, the student should regard the rebbe like a father. It is interesting that we often find that a rebbe loves his students as a father loves a child, but this feeling is not always reciprocated. Children do not always demonstrate the same affection for parents as they themselves receive. Sometimes it takes years for a student, like a child, to fully appreciate all that his rebbe/parent has done for him.
