A Child's Sincerity - Vayera

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