Vision for Conservative Early Childhood Programs: A Journey Guide

Rabbi Akiva and the Missing Student: A Story of Bikur Cholim (visiting the ill)
This story about Rabbi Akiva is from The Book of Legends:
Sefer Ha-Aggadah, edited by Hayim Bialik and Yehoshua
Reznitsky, translated by William G. Braude
Rabbi Akiva was a famous teacher. We learn about him when
we read Pirkei Avot/Ethics of the Fathers and when we read the Talmud.
Rabbi Akiva was always interested in his
students – he cared about their well-being as
well as their studies. He knew the names of all
his students.
Every day when school began, Rabbi Akiva
would look around the room to see if all his
students were there.
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One day, he noticed that a certain student was not in his regular place. Rabbi Akiva
asked, “Where is Aaron today?”
All the students shook their heads as if to say, “We don’t know.”
Rabbi Akiva began his lesson for the day. The next day, again Aaron’s seat was empty.
Again, Rabbi Akiva asked his students about Aaron. Again, no one knew anything. This
went on for several days.
Finally, Rabbi Akiva said, “It is very important that we care about everyone. I am upset
that no one knows about Aaron. I am going to see for myself why he is not in school.”
After school ended, Rabbi Akiva walked to
Aaron’s house. He knocked on the door. No
one answered. “Knock, knock” – and again no
answer.
After a few minutes, the door opened. Aaron
opened the door. He looked very pale and
weak. “Rabbi Akiva, please come in,” he said.
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“Aaron, you have not been in school for several days, no one knew why you were not
there. I decided to come and find out why you were not in school.”
“I have been sick and I was in bed,” said Aaron.
Rabbi Akiva followed Aaron into the house and sat down. “Aaron, can I get you
something to drink or eat?”
Vision for Conservative Early Childhood Programs: A Journey Guide
USCJ Department of Education
Maxine Handelman
Handelman@uscj.org
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