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Who sets that example for old and young? Many people, of course, but I think mostly of our teachers of Torah. Like the Levites, they are specialized — from early childhood to adult educa- tion, in settings both formal and infor- mal, as teachers of gifted students, and pink of the person whom as instructors of those with special you consider most;*orthy of needs — all who study Torah in order role praise and honor.: ' to teach it are the guardians of our does such aperso4- ccupy? sacred tradition. What occupation is worthy d . im or Like the Levites (initially, at least), her? What compensation is appropriate classroom teachers are often poorly for them? compensated. Like the These are my thoughts as I Levites, today's teachers of turn each year to parashat Torah live in a paradoxical Naso (which literally means situation. Their work is "lift up"). It is a portion essential for making a place known for other things — for God in our community. the laws of the Nazirite and Yet some of their task has the the priestly benediction. But quality of drudgery that can it begins by describing the be discouraging even to the duties of Israel's most cele- most idealistic among them. brated tribe. Without dedicated and The Levites were the tribe" RABBI DANIEL gifted teachers of Torah, of Moses, Miriam and Aaron., NEVINS however, where would God They produced and serviced Special to the be welcome? The Talmud the priests; they guarded the Jewish News says (Sukkah 496) that those Temple. The songs of the who study Torah in order to Levites expressed Israel's teach it to others express praise of God and accompanied the Torat chesed, a teaching of love. We are sacrifices. But their primary duty as blessed with many such teachers — but described in our portion was that of do they know that we have noticed? Is shleppers: The Levites were porters in their love reciprocated? the desert, hauling the tabernacle's Sckool is nearly out, and hundreds sacred furniture for 40 years under the of teachers are preparing to disassemble hot Sinai sun. their classrooms, file their lesson plans You might think that the Levites and perhaps think about next year. On would delegate this physically demand- this Shabbat, let us "lift up" their exam- ing task to their boys and young men. ple and give them the recognition that But the Torah specifies that the work of they deserve. Find a teacher of Torah portage was to be handled by men aged and thank him or her for their sacred 30 to 50. Carrying the holy ark and all work. Thank them for seeing that the of its accoutrements, assembling the load they bear is not a burden, but a tabernacle and then packing it up — treasure. Thank them for keeping the this was an essential task, and only Torah close by, so that our journey in mature Levites were entrusted with it. life is not via a barren wilderness, but Each of their three clans received a spe- always through a miraculous land of cial task; each was honored with a mis- discovery. 0 sion from God. Why was this job so important? Through their labor, the Levites ensured that God would always have a home in the midst of the people. Have you ever considered becom- Through their sweat, the Levites gave ing a teacher? What would you dignity and respect to the tabernacle. teach, if you could? What is stop- Through their dedication, the Levites ping you? Why are school teachers reminded all of Israel that it is a privi- paid so much less than most other lege and a joy to serve God. professionals? What should we be Who, may I ask, are today's Levites? doing to rectify this situation? Who does the heavy lifting, the diffi- What is a Torah education worth? cult but most essential work of our How much sacrifice is it reason- able to expect from families to pay Daniel Nevins is a rabbi at Adat for their child's education? Shalom Synagogue. Shabbat Naso: Numbers 4:21-7•89; Judges 13:2-25. ■ Exp. 6-14-2001 Jti Brass PointePAvd&P99 24234 Orchard Lake Rd., N.E. corner of 10 Mile • 476-1377 Conversations fxotic Mandarin Szech isine oodle ecialtiepi Bc PEKING CHINESE RESTAURANT Cocktails Available Carry-0E Catering Open 7 Days A Week for Lunch & Dinner IN 6/1 2001 66 15% OFF 10% OFF LUNCH BILL :DINNER BUG Exp. 06-30-01 Exp. 06-30-01 29105 Ford Rd. Garden City 43155 Main Street Novi (734) 425-2230 (248) 465-1988 Underground Parking