A curious custom in the Talmud involves Torah scholars approaching young children and asking, “What verse did you learn today?” The scholar would then interpret the verse as a Divine sign, often gaining clarity on personal concerns. Rabbi Yochanan, a leading sage of the Talmudic era, notably followed this practice.
One striking example appears in the Midrash’s retelling of the Purim story. When Mordechai learned of Haman’s genocidal decree, he encountered three children leaving cheder and asked each for the verse they studied that day. The first child cited, “Do not fear sudden terror…” (Mishlei 3:25), the second, “Plan a conspiracy and it will be annulled…” (Isaiah 8:10), and the third, “Even till your ripe old age, I shall endure…” (Isaiah 46:4). Mordechai rejoiced, interpreting these verses as reassurance from Heaven. When Haman questioned his joy, Mordechai replied, “I have just been informed that I need not fear your evil plan.”
Interestingly, even Gentiles used this method. The Talmud relates that during the Roman campaign against Jerusalem, the emperor sent Niron (possibly Nero) to lead the attack. As he neared the city, he shot arrows in all directions, but each landed facing Jerusalem. Seeking confirmation, he asked a Jewish boy what verse he had studied. The boy quoted Ezekiel 25:14: “I will lay My vengeance upon Edom by the hand of My people Israel…” Niron, alarmed, saw this as a message that God intended to destroy the Temple but to blame him. He fled and eventually converted to Judaism.
Why did sages—and even Roman generals—take children’s words so seriously? The Talmud explains that, since the destruction of the Temple, prophecy was taken from prophets and given to “the insane and to children.” Children retain a vague prophetic intuition, which the sages accessed through these questions.
Another possible reason is that youth often grasp the mood and direction of society more intuitively than adults. They understand new technologies and social trends more naturally. For too long, adults have dismissed young voices. But history shows the danger of ignoring them.
The Torah itself supports this. After the Exodus, it was not the older generation but the youth who were destined to enter the Land of Israel. When the people cried out in fear over the spies’ report, God responded that only their children – those they thought would be taken captive – would inherit the Land. The message is timeless: the future belongs to the young.
In South Africa, Youth Day on June 16 commemorates the 1976 Soweto Uprising, when over 20 000 students protested against the imposition of Afrikaans in schools. Around 176 were killed by Apartheid police. The government’s refusal to listen to the youth had lasting consequences, both domestically and internationally.
Today, many young South Africans still face severe challenges. It is our responsibility to listen to them, guide them, and protect them—because they are the future leaders of our nation. ●
By RABBI MATTHEW LIEBENBERG
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