The Extraordinary Potential of Every Human Being
“The Men of the Great Assembly said, ‘Nurture many disciples’” (Pirkei Avot 1:1).
One of the timeless topics in education is whether schools should have an open admission policy.
Hillel and Shammai disagreed on this issue. Shammai ruled that only exceptional students should be admitted to the academy. In contrast, Hillel ruled that the academy should be open to every student who wants to study.
The Torah’s opinion sides with Hillel’s position. Rather, then judging students on the their present performance, Hillel looked toward the extraordinary potential within each one. He reasoned that the more students provided with an education, the greater number of outstanding individuals will emerge. The exclusion of “lesser” students would detract from the quantity of “exceptional” individuals who would develop in the future.
Yet, this seems untenable. How will the inclusion of ‘lesser” students produce an increase in “excellence”?
Once, when Hillel came to the Beit Midrash to give his lecture, he asked if all the students were present. “Yes,” came the answer. All but the “weakest” student is here.”
Hillel responded, “Please bring him in, for he will be the leader of the next generation!”
They brought in Rabbi Yochanon ben Zakkai, who indeed became the eminent leader of Klal Yisrael.
Providing an education to all students is not a matter of “pity over risk.” By recognizing the potential of every human being, and welcoming them into our schools, we are actively building exceptional leaders for our people!
(Based on the commentary of Rabenu Yonah)
