Question: May a rebbi sit on a raised platform, such as a bimah, when giving shiur?
Short Answer: In many cases, it is permitted for a rebbi to sit higher than his talmidim.
Explanation:
I. The Sources
The Gemara (Megillah 21a), according to Rashi, states that a rebbi and his talmidim should either both sit on pillows or on the floor. But a rebbi should not sit on pillows when the talmidim sit on the floor. Further, the Gemara (Moed Katan 16b) states that Ira HaYairi (David’s rebbi) would sit on pillows when he taught David, but David sat on the floor. But, after Ira’s passing, David taught his talmidim with both of them sitting on the floor. Clearly, David was following this above halachah.
But what about Ira HaYairi? Further, the Gemara (Bava M’tzia 84b and Sanhedrin 17b) cites other stories where Tana’im and Amora’im taught sitting on benches or pillows when their talmidim sat on the floor? The Ran (Megillah) gives two answers. First, there is a difference whether you are learning difficult and easy topics. In the Gemara where the rebbi sat higher than the talmidim is where the rebbi was teaching hard material, so he needed to sit on pillows (even though apparently those were the only pillows and the talmidim sat on the floor). In the Gemara where they both sat on the floor is where the rebbi was teaching easy topics. Second, the Gemara where the rebbi sat higher than the talmidim is where the talmidim did not have s’michah. The Gemara where they both sat on the floor or both on pillows is where the talmidim already received s’michah (and thus demanded respect).
II. The Ruling
The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh Dei’ah 246:9) holds like the Gemara, that a rebbi may not sit on pillows when the talmidim are sitting on the floor. The Rama adds that this only applies where the talmidim have s’michah. The Shach (9) adds that there is also room to be lenient where the topics being taught are complicated, based on the additional answer of the Ran.
Thus, it would appear that a rebbi may sit on a bench nowadays, even if the students are sitting on the floor, as the students do not have s’michah. Further, the topics are complicated. Indeed, the Aruch HaShulchan (23) adds that nowadays our talmidim do not sit on the floor, so this entire halachah is irrelevant.
III. Higher Seat?
Does this same halachah apply where the rebbi is sitting on a higher chair than the talmidim? The sefer Darkah Shel Torah (Yoreh Dei’ah 246:158-161) cites the T’cheiles Mordechai who wonders why everyone is lenient on this issue.
The Darkah Shel Torah cites a few answers. First, the Yafeh LaLeiv holds that nowadays, where we all sit on chairs, the rebbi should specifically sit on a higher chair, as a sign of kavod. Second, the Avodas HaMelech notes that there is no prohibition where at least one talmid is sitting on an equal level as the rebbi. Third, the Kol Ben Ami suggests that if the students choose to sit on a lower level, it is permitted.
The Toras Chacham (Vol. 1, p. 495) answers that the entire prohibition only applies where the rebbi sits on a pillow and the talmidim sit on the floor. If the talmidim sit on chairs, however, there is no problem for the rebbi to sit on a higher chair.
IV. Rebbi Standing
The Mei B’eir (p. 66) notes that there is certainly no problem for the rebbi to stand while the talmidim sit. This is not degrading to the talmidim.
V. Final Thought
The Parshas D’rachim (d’rush 15) writes that this halachah of the rebbi sitting equally with the talmidim is a din in limud haTorah. That torah should be taught in a humble way. This author would add that the beauty of Torah is certainly enhanced by the humility of the rebbi, as it enables the student to gain more: He can relate to his rebbi.
Rabbi Ephraim Glatt, Esq. is the Associate Rabbi at the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills, and he is a Partner at McGrail & Bensinger LLP, specializing in commercial litigation. Questions? Comments? Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..