“Great!” the rosh yeshivah responded. “That’s a really good answer. In fact, that’s such a good answer, it’s really fascinating that we find Rishonim who ask this question anyway. How is it that they couldn’t figure out this answer that you could easily explain in a few minutes?”
I looked across the table, expecting the rosh yeshivah to answer his question. Instead, I was met by his expectant gaze, daring me to pull something together. Utter silence filled the room, and time slowed as I tried desperately to think of something, anything, that could answer his question. Finally, after a seeming eternity, I couldn’t handle the silence anymore.
“I don’t know,” I mumbled, unsure of where this would lead.
“Correct,” he responded. “You don’t know — and I don’t either. This question has been bothering me for over 30 years! If you would have been able to give a teretz on the spot, I would have felt terrible.”
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