Are You Honor Able
by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine
One of the important facets of the Jewish encampment in the desert was the personal flag that each tribe camped with. Just as an army rallies around its flag in battle, so 
each tribe camped with its appropriate flag, rallying around a theme that made that tribe notable and praiseworthy. For example, Shimon’s flag had a picture of the city of Shechem; the tribe rallied and paid tribute to the honorable moment that their ancestor took action to save Dinah from abuse. Zevulun’s flag had the picture of a ship, symbolizing the commerce in which they took pride because it enabled them to support Torah study in a most generous way. Yisachar’s flag contained the sun and moon symbolizing his great scholarship which included all areas of Torah and life, including astronomy and the Jewish calendar.
Although at times a flag may seem unnecessary for daily function, the human being does have a need to quantify the cause which he values and lives by, and express it in different ways like a flag. Sometimes such symbols have to be created, sometimes they can be found in our daily lives. When a person recognizes a symbol that is honorable, and honors it, he, himself, has taken a great step forward in the journey to greatness.
I am told that in his younger years Rav Scheinberg used to sit in a very specific place during his morning studies, and very purposefully relocated himself to the opposite side of the study hall in the afternoon. A curious friend asked him why. Rav Scheinberg replied, “There is an elderly man- a man who has lived through a lot, he has a lot of life experience- who walks by in the morning, and I like to stand up to honor him, and to wish him a good morning. But in the afternoon he comes back on the opposite side. So I make sure to move to that side of the room for the afternoon, so that I can once again stand up in respect, and wish him a good evening.”
In our time there is a trend which strives to lower the level of formal respect. Parents and teachers are expected to be viewed as equals to their children and students. In many cases, people who should be mentoring, are afraid to exercise discipline of any type. Although this trend may seem to be an expression of humility and a style that is emotionally generous, it is a trend that may actually stunt the growth of the child or student because it deprives them of the opportunity to honor and respect.
It is well knows that one of the greatest students in the Torah world of recent times was Rabbi Boruch Ber Leibowitz. Rabbi Leibowitz studied from the world class Torah giant, Rabbi Chaim Soloveitchik, founder of the Brisker dynasty of Torah learning. Rabbi Leibowitz was able to capture the innovative style of his Rebbe like no other could. What is fascinating is the way he refers to his Rebbe, whenever he quotes him. Rabbi Leibowitz writes regularly that he heard this or that from, “My Rebbe and teacher, the great Gaon, Rebbe of the Jewish people, may his memory be a blessing for us.” Some claim that it is because of all that he learned from his Rebbe, that he wrote this way. But there is a different possibility. It is because he started with great respect for his Rebbe, that he blossomed into such a great personality in the Torah world.
Although we recommend independence, and shy away from hero worship, there is a human need to hold sacred and to respect that which represents our core values. Torah scholarship, life experience, and moments of greatness, are but a few of the themes which we value greatly. One can think that he can “just do the right thing”, without a need for a “flag” to respect. Yet showing respect clarifies what it is that we value; it is a great step in our self development. In fact the Mishna in Avos proclaims, “Who is respected? One who respects others.” Because it is by respecting, that we ourselves become great.
© 2014 by TEACH613™
It is interesting that you mentioned R’ Baruch Ber in the same dvar Torah in which you spoke about the breakdown of formality. I heard once (I’m not sure where), that R’ Baruch Ber and R’ Shimon Shkop had a machlokes whether a rebbe is permitted to go swimming with his students. R’ Baruch Ber said no and R’ Shimon said yes.
Shlomo
Rabbi Reply: wow! yes, that would be the position R’ Boruch Ber would predictably take on such. thx!
I have been enjoying reading your weekly Divrei Torah, and this one, in general, was no exception. I do, however, take issue with the “honorable” act of Shimon. Though his intentions were good, even their father castigates the action undertaken by Shimon and Levi. Levi later redeemed himself by using his zealous nature to act against those who committed Chet Ha-egel, but Shimon never did show that he could use his intensity for good.
Rabbi Reply: Thank you for writing, and for your well taken observation. I too have wondered why Shimon would have the image of Shechem on his flag if it represented a terrible failure. My suggestion is that although Shimon was rebuked, his action wasn’t entirely bad. He did take action in a case of abuse, when all local justice was ignoring the problem. Perhaps the flag was a bit like positive reinforcement rebuke. “Here is what you did. In certain ways I can see you meant well. But it needs correction, for you to be successful.”
Thank you for writing, and for helping develop this important topic more fully. Best wishes!