Etzion News

An English E-Newsletter for Yeshivat Har Etzion Alumni 
 Shavuot 5767

 

    

Alumni Reflections:
A Life Time of Humility,
by Shlomo Druckman ('97-'98)

 

A Life Time of Humility

- by Shlomo Druckman ('97-'98), living in Washington Heights, NY with his wife, Esther

 

When I speak to my friends, all of them very talented and many of them Gush alumni, and we discuss our careers and the success that we are all having, we all seem to agree on one thing – it has been easy to excel in our various endeavors.  It’s a funny thing to say, but when you leave yeshiva, perhaps most yeshivot, the level of intellectual rigor and intense work ethic to which you have become accustomed is far beyond anything found out there.  I remember, quite vividly, being in Yeshivat Har Etzion and feeling stupid; my entire chevra seemed to feel the same way.  Sure we worked hard, we were bright kids and among other shana-aleph and bet guys, we were no slouches.  But it was clear to us that we could work our hearts out for a life time and still be only average relative to what seemed to be an abundance of incredibly accomplished people.  It was an amazing experience; I remember what it was like to know that one would have no difficulty finding an ample supply of students next to whom I was an insect.  Having gone to Yeshiva University, my college experience was pretty much an extension of the same.

 

Then we all got to the work-place.  It was time to don a suit and tie, polish our shoes and play a hand with corporate America.  I remember preparing myself for battle and getting ready to strive for at least mediocrity among the kind of competition to which I had become accustomed.  I sat at my desk, put my nose to the grindstone and implemented the only mental and intellectual methodology that I knew.  I quickly stood out as did the rest of my friends.  I frankly think most bnei-yeshiva are destined for a similar experience.  It is so easy to let it go to your head.  Most people do.  I see a lot of extremely successful people who feel that they are special, and they can, therefore, behave as they wish with impunity.  Humility grounds you and keeps you honest; I think that is the most important way to stand out.  I thank G-d everyday that Yeshivat Har Etzion has provided me with a life time of humility.

 

 

[Editor: Thank you Shlomo for sharing your thoughts. We welcome feedback from other alumni (shira@etzion.org.il)]