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He Poured Water on Eliyahu's Hands

Elisha is praised not for what he learned from Eliyahu but for how he served him, which teaches that serving a talmid chacham is greater than learning from him.

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When the three kings searched for a prophet in the desert, one of the courtiers described Elisha in a single phrase: Elisha son of Shafat, who poured water on the hands of Eliyahu. Rebbi Yochanan taught in the name of Rebbi Shimon bar Yochai that this phrase holds a great lesson. The verse does not say that Elisha learned from Eliyahu; it says that he poured water for him. From here Chazal learn that serving Torah is greater than studying it. One who attends a talmid chacham, staying close to him in the small details of daily life, learns how Torah is lived in every moment, not only what it says.

Source: Gemara, Berachos 7b (on Melachim II 3:11)

Practical lessonPour the water

Learning from a rav or teacher is precious; being near him in daily life teaches what no shiur can. This week, find one way to serve someone whose Torah you admire. Offer to drive your rav, set up the chairs before the shiur, help an elderly talmid chacham with his groceries, or simply bring him a cup of tea. Keep your eyes open while you help: how he speaks, how he waits, how he treats people. That is the learning that comes only from pouring the water.

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