By Dovid Zaklikowski for COLlive.com and Hasidic Archives
Nochum, a student at the United Lubavitcher Yeshivah in Brooklyn, studied Talmud with a partner, delving deeply into discussion and debate while attempting to extrapolate the finer points of the text.
Nochum, a dedicated student, would offer his own take on the text. On one occasion, his study partner brazenly dismissed Nochum’s thoughtful comments and scorned his intelligence.
While in Vilnius, Rabbi Ushpol developed an educational philosophy that endeared him to his students. Upon arriving in New York, where the Rebbe Rayatz had also immigrated, he was a sought-after educator, teaching at the Toras Emes Elementary School, and later at the United Lubavitcher Yeshivah.
His expertise in education was renown, and he visited many Lubavitch day schools in the United States, providing feedback and guidance. He organized conferences for school directors, allowing for networking and advanced discussion of pedagogy. His views on education are as relevant today as they were in his time.
“Discipline is the basis of education. Through discipline, you can succeed in the classroom. Without it, you cannot. There is no reason to obtain discipline imperiously; rather, it occurs by the student recognizing the importance of discipline, and the recognition that one needs to control their impulses by not disturbing or hurting their friends,” wrote Rabbi Ushpol in a short guide for teachers.
He understood that one needs to accept criticism and reflect honestly on his/her own failures or successes. “At times,” he wrote, “you will never find the response you are looking for, aside from those who have more experience than you. Therefore, you should never be embarrassed to ask the advice of a more experienced teacher.”
In showing care for the student, he expressed that it must be done “in a respectable way that will not bring you disrespect from the students.”
He reasoned that if a student is in need of discipline, the teacher ought to speak to the heart of the child “without accusing or screaming, and always speaking calmly and patiently.”
Rabbi Ushpol was beloved by his students, taking a personal interest in their needs, both spiritual and material. He would tell his students, “Boys, you must be healthy, rested and happy.”
As a sensitive educator, he took his responsibilities seriously, with an acute sense that education was his mission, and utterly investing himself in the student, class or issue at hand. He rarely admonished his students, and on the occasion that he criticized a student, it was paired with dedication and love.
He ran a board that would raise funds for the students’ needs, many of whom came from struggling immigrant homes.
A perceptive teacher, Rabbi Ushpol would frequently walk around the room, observing his students and providing assistance. He immediately noticed the badgering of his prized student.
Following the class, Rabbi Ushpol approached Nochum and repeated the Talmud’s interpretation of why doves were the only bird sacrificed on the altar in the Holy Temple. He quoted: “The dove is pursued, and one should always be pursued and not the pursuer….” (Baba Kama 93a).
Rabbi Ushpol then asked Nochum, “Is this a trait we should all emulate? Should we always be the underdog?”
The rabbi continued, “Although the dove is pursued, it forges on. The dove maintains her goal and ignores her adversaries. You have a good study partner. I understand that he is being tough, but you should continue forward, and keep your eyes on the future.”
Find Hasidic Archives latest books on Amazon Prime Footprints: Colorful Lives, Hugh Impact and Kosher Investigator.
B”H
When I was young and had him for a Rebbe in the Lubavitcher Yeshiva, I didn’t know any of this. I only knew him as the kindest, nicest and most caring teacher that I had ever known. I made exceptional strides in my dedication to Torah learning under his tutelage. I had an extraordinary love for him as a teacher and a mentor. When he passed away years later, I was heartbroken. May his memory be a blessing for us all.
This seems to be an excerpt from a long chapter on Rabbi Ushpol in the book Footprints… plus many more amazing photos…
A real Prince of a man. A man of rare qualities of character and mentchlichkeit. His mere presence commanded respoct.
Thank you!
Do you have more stories about Rabbi Ushpol?