The Teacher Behind the Curtain
Why I refuse stages, groups, and applause. The shift from "following a Guru" to becoming the message.
“Ruth, why don’t you hold workshops? Why can’t we see you on stage or in large events? Why do you choose to teach through Facebook and text instead of gathering us together physically? We want to see the teacher.”
Shavua Tov and Happy Holiday.
Perhaps I do not teach in the way we are used to learning. But look around. Look at the world. Nothing works the way it used to... We are required to ascend to a new rung of study.
And therefore, anyone who reaches their purpose and destiny, and works for the sake of Heaven— in the aspect of “Torah for its own sake”— does the destiny and does not ask “what” and “how” and “why like this.”
So I will give a small explanation regarding what I do.
In principle, I am not supposed to be on Facebook. This is not a space I ever dreamed of being in. I am a person of face-to-face. For years, I gave responses face-to-face in the clinic, and of course, in personal and interpersonal meetings.
But there is great depth in learning in a way where the teacher— or the one transmitting the knowledge— is not the main thing. Meaning, you do not see him or deal with him. Preoccupation with the figure greatly delays progress.
There were those who did this in the past. They taught “from behind the Pargod“ (The Curtain). The modern mystic, Yemima Avital, did this, if I am not mistaken.
I do not teach behind a physical curtain, but perhaps the way I transmit the posts—and the call to meet only through the text—creates a type of curtain. I am very attentive to my Upper Guidance.
In any case, every question that comes to me— no matter from whom in Israel or the world— I make an effort to answer.
Redemption is not a passive thing. For years, they shouted to us: “Unity, Unity, Unity.” All kinds of bodies, organizations, and groups tried to create unity. And may they be blessed.
But we need to understand that Unity means: You asked a question. You received an answer. Think for a moment— Who else needs this answer? Perhaps there is someone else in the world who needs it?
We do not ask for money here. We do not ask for donations. We do not ask you to do an act that will put you in the minus. On the contrary—a giant spiritual plus. Simply to be very modest, very humble, and very considerate.
You saw an answer? Do you know someone who needs such an answer? Pass it to them. You asked, you received—surely there are masses of people who need this.
Do you not understand that we are One Soul? Each of us carries a part in the Correction of the World (Tikun Olam). And we must share the answers with everyone.
This is my way. No stages. No giant events. No groups. I will transmit everything I received and everything I know for one goal: That we return to being One Soul.
So this is what I do. My teacher used to tell me: “Learn...” I tell you: “Ask...” But once you receive—pass it on.
There is no matter of fame here, nor of “promoting me.” That is the last thing that interests me. What interests me in the depth of my soul is Our Soul. The Soul of the Nation of Israel. We will return to being one soul. And you do not know what will happen to the entire world when we do.
So I do this in small ways. I am a small pipe. But every one of you is actually a messenger of words of light.
So for those who still do not understand why I do it this way, and why I do not arrive at all kinds of stages, and why I do not teach in groups: We were there. We were there and we saw what it does. “The inclination of man from his youth...”
You start dealing with the Teacher. You start dealing with the Group. You start dealing with the Content. You start dealing with “His Rabbi,” “Her Rabbi.”
It does not interest me. Not groups, not stages, not applause, and not standing on a podium. It does not interest me.
I want you. My partners in distributing the light.
Every post is a study. And there is no person who does not need listening, a good word, and comfort.
(Translator’s Note: Ruth has explicitly blessed this English translation project. You can ask questions in English, and we will translate them for her.) Or email ruth directly.
Reflect:
The Curtain: Does not seeing the teacher make you feel abandoned, or does it force you to look at yourself?
The Distribution: “You received an answer... who else needs it?” Who can you forward a teaching to today, not to preach, but to heal?
The Ego: Where in your spiritual life are you distracted by the “personality” of the leader instead of the truth of the message?