Q. I have an acquaintance that lives in far North Dallas. He is looking for a Torah teacher. How do you suggest he go about locating one and do you-

-have any cautions for him.
A. One of the first instructions in the Scriptures is
to "find yourself a teacher." It is also in the
Mishnah in "Avot" or sayings of "the Fathers". It is
very important to find the right teacher because we
all have seen the damage done by false teachers. So,
here are some basic guidelines.First, you must have a
basic knowledge of the Torah yourself. You must have a
working knowledge of the Temple, geography, history,
the festivals, prophecy, the Messiah and the
redemption to get started. He must study these things
on his own and master them. He must study the
Scriptures verse by for himself and know that he is a
believer.How can he detect false teachings unless he
knows some things himself. This is the foundation that
he must lay for himself. A Torah teacher can only
build on the basics. If he doesn't have a solid
foundation then all else will fall. He then prays
about finding a teacher who can guide him to deeper
revelation. A teacher can only give what the Lord has
shown him so he needs to find someone who can impart
knowledge. He then searches for someone who can help
him, without neglecting his own study. Most people I
have had experience with want to be told what to
believe because they are too lazy to study for
themselves. Others think they know it all and want to
argue or teach you concerning their own agenda so
there are some pitfalls to watch out for. Don't empty
your mind and be told what to believe, but be
teachable. God will put someone in his path but he
needs to have the wisdom to know who it is. He may not
be close to home. The people of Jerusalem had to walk
many miles out into the wilderness to hear John. I'm
sure people complained about that and never went. Here
are some cautions. First, make sure the teacher is a
believer in Yeshua and keeps the commandments. Make
sure he doesn't believe they have been "done away
with" like most so-called teachers today. The number
one thing on my checklist is does that person follow
the Torah and believe it is for today. If not, don't
waste your time with that person, he is a false
teacher. Secondly don't wait for the perfect
person/teacher to come along. No teacher is going to
be perfect. God doesn't use perfect people because
there aren't any (except one). Third, don't resent the
teacher because he knows more than you. That is what
he is there for. God has given him that gift and has
imparted knowledge to him so learn what you can.
Fourth, check out everything you are taught using
outside sources, and by asking questions. This will
help him to develop trust in that teacher. In my
experience, it wasn't what I taught that people took
issue with it was the preconceived expectations of the
listener that got in the way. They had no problems as
I went along confirming what they believed. But, when
I taught some things they did not agree with they did
not trust me anymore and failed to go back and check
things out for themselves. This builds resentment and
they begin to attack me rather than disprove what is
said. These people are usually very hard to teach
because they already know everything. I get more upset
when people attack the Lord and His Word than I do
about what people say about me. So, tell him not to
make that mistake.So, in short, tell him to pray for a
teacher, make sure he teaches the commandments are
valid for today, he studies for himself, he checks
things out and most of all listens with an attitude of
learning.