A Child's Sincerity
Parshat Vayera
In our weekly Torah portion, we are told about the birth and life of our forefather Isaac-Yitzchak. He was the first Jewish child to have a Bris, a circumcision at eight days old and later in life (at age 37) was bound as an offering to G-d in the famous story of the Binding of Isaac -Akeidat Yitzchak.
Our sages ask the following question. Why is it that while Avraham did his own circumcision at age 99 and after many years of preparation and self-work (Avoda), Yitzchak had his Bris at only eight days old, before he even knew what was going on? Isn't it more appropriate and meaningful to have such a significant and spiritual event when you can appreciate the significance of it? It almost seems that Yitzchak was robbed of the opportunity to work on himself and achieve this great level of dedication, as his father did.
The answer is simple and profound. Hashem wanted the Bris to be something that was NOT connected to any logic, understanding, or self-work. Hashem wanted Yitzchak, the first child to be born Jewish, have a Bris, and to have a profound relationship with Him, something that is beyond understanding or explanations. The reason is, because the essence of our connection to G-d is beyond understanding and reason. It is ingrained in us as children, even before we are aware of our own existence.
I am always amazed and the sincerity and innocence of children. They believe in Hashem in a simple and beautiful way. They understand spirituality intuitively, better than most adults. The children are uncomplicated, not tainted by the world around them. The love displayed by children towards Mitzvot and Hashem is something so beautiful and pure, that I am often envious of it. When you hear the sounds of children singing the morning Teffilot (prayers) it is just moving.
This is the deep bond we have with our Creator. Beyond understanding or reason.This is the reason why it is so essential that we educate our children from a young age in the teachings of the Torah. The stories and lessons that our children learn in their youth are what will remain with them forever. While these lessons may be simple or in some people's minds unsophisticated, they are the perfect formula and exactly what Hashem had in mind. It is the sincerity of our children that is the future of our people.
Shabbat Shalom
Friday, November 15, 2019
Friday, November 8, 2019
Individual Journeys - Lech Lecha
Individual Journeys
Parshat Lech Lecha
In this week’s Torah portion of Lech Lecha we read about the first Jews, Avraham Avinu and his wife Sarah Imeinu. These trend setters and holy people are appropriately called the parents of monotheism and the Jewish nation, for their teachings, beliefs and sacrifices.
When we are introduced to Avram & Sarai (as they are called in our portion) we are told how G-d commanded them “Lech Lecha - Go journey for yourself”. On a simple level, Rashi explains that Hashem was telling them that this journey that He was sending them on would be to their benefit. Ramban (Nachmanides 1194-1270) explains similarly that this was a great test for them and Hashem was assuring them that all would be good.
I recently observed something beautiful at our school. I witnessed a child having a fabulous week, staying on task, and earning a reward for doing very well. It was unique, because this child had struggled at the beginning of the school year, and only with the incredible patience, love, and care of the teachers, was this child able to find success. The beauty of TASA being a small and “personal” school is that we are able to tailor the education for an individual child, helping them find success.
As every child is unique, it is imperative that we not only teach them the relative materials but also help them find personal success and direction that we all need in life. Just like our patriarchs and matriarchs had to go on their personal journey to accomplish what they were destined for, so too, each one of us must travel along our individual road to fulfill our own destiny.
In this week’s Torah portion of Lech Lecha we read about the first Jews, Avraham Avinu and his wife Sarah Imeinu. These trend setters and holy people are appropriately called the parents of monotheism and the Jewish nation, for their teachings, beliefs and sacrifices.
When we are introduced to Avram & Sarai (as they are called in our portion) we are told how G-d commanded them “Lech Lecha - Go journey for yourself”. On a simple level, Rashi explains that Hashem was telling them that this journey that He was sending them on would be to their benefit. Ramban (Nachmanides 1194-1270) explains similarly that this was a great test for them and Hashem was assuring them that all would be good.
I recently observed something beautiful at our school. I witnessed a child having a fabulous week, staying on task, and earning a reward for doing very well. It was unique, because this child had struggled at the beginning of the school year, and only with the incredible patience, love, and care of the teachers, was this child able to find success. The beauty of TASA being a small and “personal” school is that we are able to tailor the education for an individual child, helping them find success.
As every child is unique, it is imperative that we not only teach them the relative materials but also help them find personal success and direction that we all need in life. Just like our patriarchs and matriarchs had to go on their personal journey to accomplish what they were destined for, so too, each one of us must travel along our individual road to fulfill our own destiny.
Friday, November 1, 2019
Alert! Don't Miss the Ark - Noach
Parshat Noach
There is an old joke which goes something like this. There was once a man who had great faith in G-d. A terrible flood came to his community and the residents had to be evacuated for their safety. This man refused to be saved as he had faith that only G-d would save him. Even when standing on the roof of his house, with the EMS helicopter begging him to come aboard, he refused as "only G-d would save him. The man drowned. Upon arrival in heaven he angrily said to G-d "I placed my perfect trust in you to save me and you let me die!" G-d responded, "who do you think sent the police and the EMS helicopter.
In the portion of Noach, we read how G-d commanded Noach to build the ark many years prior to the flood. The reason, as the commentary Rashi explains, was so the people would learn about this project and G-d's plan to destroy the world. They would then repent for their evil ways and the disaster would be avoided. Yet, they failed to do so. They failed to seize the opportunity that Hashem sent them. They missed the boat (pun intended).
In the education of children a similar lesson can be derived. Often, we struggle with the right choice or decision for our child. The decisions of which school, which social circles, what extra-curricular activity, when to push and when to let go, to medicate or not to medicate, and so much more.
And then Hashem send us little signs to help us in navigating these string waters. Our own ark. This ark often comes in the form of friends, family members, teachers and administrators who care about our children. Rabbis and mentors who look out for the spiritual well-being of the child. Social workers and mental health professionals who are concerned about their emotional state. Physicians who share their concerns, recommendations and evaluations.
I believe that all these wonderful people are sent by Hashem to help us in our time of need. It is up to take these lessons to heart and not miss the ark.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Y. Marrus
There is an old joke which goes something like this. There was once a man who had great faith in G-d. A terrible flood came to his community and the residents had to be evacuated for their safety. This man refused to be saved as he had faith that only G-d would save him. Even when standing on the roof of his house, with the EMS helicopter begging him to come aboard, he refused as "only G-d would save him. The man drowned. Upon arrival in heaven he angrily said to G-d "I placed my perfect trust in you to save me and you let me die!" G-d responded, "who do you think sent the police and the EMS helicopter.
In the portion of Noach, we read how G-d commanded Noach to build the ark many years prior to the flood. The reason, as the commentary Rashi explains, was so the people would learn about this project and G-d's plan to destroy the world. They would then repent for their evil ways and the disaster would be avoided. Yet, they failed to do so. They failed to seize the opportunity that Hashem sent them. They missed the boat (pun intended).
In the education of children a similar lesson can be derived. Often, we struggle with the right choice or decision for our child. The decisions of which school, which social circles, what extra-curricular activity, when to push and when to let go, to medicate or not to medicate, and so much more.
And then Hashem send us little signs to help us in navigating these string waters. Our own ark. This ark often comes in the form of friends, family members, teachers and administrators who care about our children. Rabbis and mentors who look out for the spiritual well-being of the child. Social workers and mental health professionals who are concerned about their emotional state. Physicians who share their concerns, recommendations and evaluations.
I believe that all these wonderful people are sent by Hashem to help us in our time of need. It is up to take these lessons to heart and not miss the ark.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Y. Marrus
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)