Finding the right teacher means finding a malach (angel)

The Gemara (Chagigah 15:) states, "If your rebbe is like a malach, ask him to teach you Torah.

Otherwise, don't learn Torah from him."

But how should we know if our teacher is like a malach if we never saw a malach before?

One thing we know about malachim is that they are עומדים because they stay at the

same spot. They do not rise from level to level. We should choose a rebbe who is

prepared to be an עומד, to stand at the same place. He must be a person who is ready to

jeopardize his own growth, if necessary, to help and teach others.

Someone once told Reb Chaim Kanievsky zt'l, "I have many students, and each year, my alumni

increase. My students keep returning to ask me questions, and although I want to help them, I am left

with hardly time for my own studies."

Reb Chaim replied, "Speaking with bachurim after the shiur is part of studying and teaching Torah."

The man explained to Reb Chaim that the conversations weren't always about Torah. More often, the

topics are about their lives, shidduchim, their struggles, and the like.

Reb Chaim replied, "To speak with them about these matters is also a great mitzvah."

The man said, "But when will I study Torah?"

Reb Chaim replied, "Try to learn a little."

This talented rebbe was flabbergasted. He knew that nothing was more important to Reb Chaim than

Torah study. Nevertheless, he advised him to be there for his students, to be an עומד.

Hashem gives each individual a different role, and everyone must fulfill the role Hashem planned for

him. Hashem wanted this man to devote himself to his students' needs.

This is to be an עומד, prepared to remain at the same level to help the growth of others. And this is the

type of teacher one should seek to have.

(Torah Wellsprings, Parashat Metzora 5782, Rabbi Elimelech Biderman, shlita)

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