«Let Your Home Be a Meeting Place for Sages» (Avos 1:4)
The holy Rav Nachman of Breslov zt”l, once recounted to his talmidim how he attained his elevated spiritual levels. As a young man living with his parents in the great and holy city of Mezhibuz, the location of the holy resting place of his grandfather, the holy Baal Shem Tov zt”l, his home often hosted the holy talmidim of the Baal Shem Tov when they gathered in Mezhbizh.
These talmidim would convene at his father’s house, and, as was the custom among chassidim, they would engage in heartfelt, fiery conversations filled with enthusiasm and passion, extolling the greatness of their holy Rebbe, the Baal Shem Tov. A stream of holy stories, awe-inspiring deeds, and upright practices flowed from their lips.
Rav Nachman testified that these discussions and holy tales kindled and inflamed his heart with love for God and the tzaddikim. He ascended to lofty spiritual levels and attained exalted states thanks to these gatherings.
Honoring Torah Scholars
A man once came before the holy Rav of Kotzk zt”l, to express his anguish and complaint: His daughter had reached marriageable age long ago, but for some reason, she refused to marry a talmid chacham, preferring instead to wed a simple tradesman who could provide financial security but was distant from Torah. Despite all efforts to reason with her, she turned a deaf ear.
The Kotzker, with his sharpness, replied: “Why do you only remember now? You are the cause of this yourself!”
In those days, yeshivos relied on a system of teg (days), whereby the talmidim were hosted by local townsfolk, as the yeshivos did not provide meals. Each family would host a talmid on a set day of the week.
Some wise householders recognized the great merit of this arrangement and honored the yeshivah talmidim properly, treating them with respect as befits talmidei chachamim. However, others failed to appreciate the greatness of Torah learners. They merely fulfilled their obligation by offering the talmidim simple and cheap food, often leftovers from the family’s meals.
“You, unfortunately, were among those who did not honor the talmidim adequately,” the Rebbe said.
The Rebbe continued: “Instead of seating them at the head of the table and serving them a respectable meal, you demeaned them, giving them meager portions merely to fulfill your duty. It is no wonder, then, that your daughter learned this attitude from you. She grew up believing Torah and its learners are insignificant and unworthy of respect. How, then, can you now expect her to want to marry someone she views as unworthy?”
