The Hug That Kept a Bachur in Yeshiva

There was once a bachur from an out-of-town yeshiva who decided to drop out of high school. His rebbi was very concerned about the future of this student. He arranged an appointment for him with the rosh yeshiva. When the talmid arrived at the rosh yeshiva’s house, the rosh yeshiva showed him into his study. The rosh yeshiva spoke at length to this talmid. What did he say? The talmid doesn’t know. He was so in awe of the rosh yeshiva that he just remained mesmerized, not listening to a word. The rosh yeshiva finished speaking to him and walked him outside. He gave him directions to the yeshiva. The rosh yeshiva gave him a warm hug and said, “If you stay here, I’ll take care of you.” The genuine affection and concern of the rosh yeshiva demonstrated in that hug had the effect that his words did not, and caused the bachur to rethink his decision. He became and remained a close talmid.