Thursday, April 7, 2011

Things By Which a Ben Torah is Recognized

A list from the dayan in my yeshiva
  1. He is a Yarei Shamayim, meticulous with halacha and mehader with mitzvot
  2. He has a great desire to grow in Torah, in yirat Shamayim, and in tikkun hamidot. He does not stand in one place, advancing step by step.
  3. He is a matmid, engrossed in learning, yearning to be a talmid chacham and a gadol baTorah.
  4. He utilizes time and is makpid on sedarim and zmanim (and zmanei tefillah).
  5. He is engrossed in his tefillah, davening with kavanah and not merely habitually.
  6. His ways are pleasant and his face shines; Shem Shamayim is beloved because of him.
  7. He is giving, kind and always ready to assist and help.
  8. He is mezakeh the community and is sensitive to its needs.
  9. He loves peace and runs from strife.
  10. He distances himself far from lashon hara and is careful with his friend’s kavod.
  11. He is thoughtful and not disturbing.
  12. He does not read things which are inappropriate nor listen to things which are inappropriate.
  13. He is modest in his ways, in his dress, even in his room and while sleeping. He is mekayem ולא תתורו...אחרי עיניכם.
  14. He is mekadesh Shem Shamayim in all his ways, whether in yeshiva, at home, or in the street.