In response to this pasuk, Rashi cites the Talmud in Sanhedrin 19b. Although the Torah mentions Aharon and Moshe’s generations, it goes on to enumerate only Aharon’s children. Chazal derive from this pasuk that the scripture considers an individual who teaches his neighbor’s son Torah as if he has actually begotten the child. The Talmud in Sanhedrin 99b offers a slight variation to this statement. Chazal view the Rebbe as the one who fashioned the child. Is there a difference between uskh, begotten, and uvag, fashioned or made him?
Each in their own distinct manner, the commentaries cite differences between these two terms. Horav E. Schlesinger, Shlita, suggests that these two terms complement one another. A father and a Rebbe each has his own distinct qualities which are critical for raising and educating a child. The father possesses a natural instinctive characteristic of compassion towards his son. Indeed, we entreat Hashem to show compassion as “a father has compassion for his son.” Although this trait is noble, it is also problematic. Because of his great compassion for his child, the father may avoid placing heavy obligations upon him. This approach is often applied to Torah and mitzvos. How often do we hear wonderful “compassionate” parents saying they don’t want to overburden their child with too much work — or that it is too difficult to get up early in the morning to attend minyan. A parent seems to lose his objectivity.
On the other hand, the mechanech, educator, does not possess the same degree of parental compassion. He is, however, able to demonstrate a higher degree of objectivity. In his goal to educate the student, to inculcate him with Torah and mitzvos, he must at times be aloof and dispassionate. He must make demands which may seem overwhelming. If the student is to grow, he must allow his Rebbe to guide him in a very definite and consistent manner.
The Torah describes the ideal mechanech as one who possesses the parental quality of compassion, yet maintains the educator’s objectivity. The teacher must maintain this balance in order to succeed in his goal. Educational success is a product of the encouragement the teacher gives to his student, building his sense of self worth, showing wisdom, fairness and compassion, in his relationship with all students. The Torah mechanech is to be a surrogate parent, while the parent should take note of his educational obligations to imbue and inspire, guide and direct, the future of his children.
