In this week’s parsha, Yaakov comes by the city of Shechem. The Gemara in Shabbos states that when Yaakov came near Shechem, he helped the welfare of the city. There are three different opinions on how he helped: he either minted coins, established markets, or set up bathhouses for the residents of the city. Rav Zelig Plisken notes that there is also a Midrash that states whenever a person comes to a city, they must show gratitude by doing something for its welfare. We must influence the place in some way to help it become better. Rav Plisken points out that this concept is not only that we need to physically make the city better; we should spiritually make it better also. We can accomplish this by influencing people to learn more, pray better, do more chesed (charity), or follow mitzvos better.

The first mishna in Pirkei Avos states that we should raise many students. I have a question on this statement: Pirkei Avos is meant for the masses, not only for people who are teachers. Therefore, how can it be that I can raise many students? For example, how can a businessman raise many students? This is not his job! Not everyone can be a teacher, so what does this mishna mean?

I think, in my humble opinion, the answer is that this is not talking only about raising many students in a school type setting. There are many ways to teach others to do something. When we do actions and deeds that others see are good and they follow our example, we are their teacher. If someone copies what you do, even if you do not realize it, you have now become a teacher. And this is what our mishna in Pirkei Avos is talking about. We need to make sure that we practice good deeds so others will follow our lead. Of course, we should not show off when we do something good, but if we practice Judaism properly, other people will follow our lead. They will see our ways and copy them.

And this is how we can show gratitude to our cities. If we physically help it, that is great, but we can also help it through spirituality.

Good Shabbos!
-yes
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