Teach Your Children

Shabbat Shalom from Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow

December 29-30, 2017 / 12 Tevet 5778

Shabbat Vayekhi

Torah - Genesis 47:28 - 50:26 / Haftarah - I Kings 2:1-12

“Teach Your Children”

Dear Friends,

How can we impart true knowledge to our children?  In this week’s Torah portion, we have come to the end of the Book of Genesis.  The Children of Israel are living in Egypt in comfort and safety.  As Jacob nears the end of his life, he calls his sons together to bless them and offer some final wisdom.

In Judaism, we have a long tradition of offering words of wisdom and instruction to our children when the end of life seems imminent.  They are often written statements called ethical wills and offer the opportunity to impart values and lessons learned through life.

Take some time to research ethical wills and consider creating one based on your acquired wisdom. They can be written anytime, at any age – and can be done quickly or be an ongoing ‘work in progress’.  There is no need to wait until the end of life to share such important life lessons with future generations.  Anytime is good time to have a conversation with children, grandchildren, and others about what you think is important in life and what will help them as they grow and mature.

How can we impart true knowledge to our children? Be like Jacob and share your wisdom.  Teach your children.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow