YouTube - A Real Life Saver!

"Safety, aha aha, safety - safety is the Torah way" (Uncle Moishy?)

Are you glued to your tube?

Rules are meant to be broken. Or are they?
Perhaps one of the many characteristics that personify childhood is the attraction of breaking rules. Children question why they even exist, and often carefully tread upon the threshold of transgressing one or even several of them. And, to add an additional level of restriction, we have the Torah and Rabbinic laws that further confine us to a set and strict plethora of extensive regulations.
How can we explain the value of these laws in simple terms? How do we transmit to children the importance of remaining steadfast to the Torah by adhering to all of its requirements, and moreover, how the Torah itself provides us with the personal protection and comforting state-of-mind to not only survive in this world, but to become successful and happy members of society and the Jewish People?

While discussing an upcoming trip with my children, one that will include swimming, my 7 year old daughter questioned, "Do I have to go into the pool with a tube like last year? Why can't I just swim without it? It will be so much more fun!" 
"Of course you do," I replied. "You don't know how to swim yet! If you don't go in with the tube, you will be in danger, chas v'sholom!" 
Although I assured her that I wanted her to enjoy herself, I tried to lovingly explain that it wouldn't be much fun without the tube! The tube would save her from certain harm, thereby allowing her to utilize her time in the pool for the best fun possible - for her. 


But don't adults swim without tubes?
Just as children are dependent upon their parents and other means of support, so are Jews dependent upon Hashem. Conversely, non-Jews swim without "tubes" - without Torah requirements to "restrain" their actions and behaviors - seemingly without harm, since their survival is not dependent on their fulfillment of mitzvos. We, on the other hand, are bound by different rules. Different standards. Since we rely entirely on a Higher Being, our existence and preservation is therefore contingent upon His rules. For our safety and benefit, Hashem has given us a tube - a Torah to envelop us with fortitude and protection. Ultimately, we can have the most meaningful and lasting experience in this world due to the very thing that people often unfortunately view as a hindrance. Thus, the Torah does not hinder our lives - it enhances it!

Say to yourself ten times today:
"Hashem, thank You for the Torah - I appreciate all it means to me!"

Babies 'R Us

“She's got a smile it seems to me reminds me of childhood memories … I hate to look into those eyes and see an ounce of pain … Oh, oh, oh, sweet child o' mine, oh, oh, oh, oh, sweet love of mine” (GnR)

He's helping us from Above -   
to take that step closer towards Him.

Students ask good questions. Sometimes, even great questions. One common, insightful question initiated by students (albeit in simpler words) is, "If there were so many saintly rabbis in previous generations, yet were not successful in bringing about Moshiach, then why are we so confident that we can accomplish this feat? If they could not bring our Final Redemption, how can we?" A great question, indeed.

Children are precious, especially our own. When that magical moment arrives and a new child enters the world, we are filled with an indescribable sensation of joy, gratitude and pride. Naturally, our every waking (and often sleepless) moment is spent on gazing at our beloved child and attending to his or her needs. In the initial days and weeks after birth, the child requires the most intense and consistent attention, which dissipates over time. As the child grows, they advance in stages from complete dependence to greater independence. Concurrently, the child becomes more able and skilled to take care of himself. From crawling to walking, mindlessly mumbling to speaking, the child develops into a more functioning person.
Every parent can remember their child's first word. Their first intentional movement, such as a smile or kiss. The camera's flash doesn't cease when a child waves for the first time. However, why is this wave any more meaningful than the wave their 20 year old offered when he went off for the summer? Why is that motion of love, that smile, of an infant so much more memorable that one of an adolescent child? Is it because the wave or smile was a milestone for the infant and not the grown child?
Perhaps, the reason for the excitement is because the infant, so incredibly limited and fragile, just demonstrated monumental step of growth - demonstrated an independent action of connection. For a 20 year old to wave is not much of an accomplishment. A 20 year old is expected to be able to wave. To smile. However, a parent's expectations of their infant or toddler is far lower. Therefore, when such a child does in fact smile or wave, they have a accomplished something so much great than their older sibling doing the same action. This, in turn, offers the parent the greatest, most intense joy and pleasure.

We are that infant. Although our more advanced older siblings of yesteryear far surpassed us in terms of saintliness and personal greatness, we stand to offer our Father infinitesimally greater joy and pleasure. As we know, the heartfelt prayer of a child can possess greater power and effect than that of a notable sage. Thus, our tefillos - the tefillos of a generation of "youngsters" - have the capacity for greater results. Our every mitzvah and word of Torah study earns our Father immeasurable satisfaction. He derives far more delight in a single, noble and dedicated deed of the simple Jew today than perhaps many more such deeds of those who came before us.
He is watching us - always. Just as a parent who remains constantly and lovingly fixated on their toddler as they address every single need that arises, Hashem similarly observes our every move - our every thought - with compassion and infinite adoration.
He awaits our smile.
Our wave.
Our first word of "Shema Yisroel."
And when we're all ready to reach out and muster the courage to boldly take that monumental step towards Him, He will be there with a proud, fatherly smile and open arms - to grasp us and bring us closer to Him.
To receive His children in everlasting happiness and bliss.

Say to yourself ten times today:
"Hashem, please give me the strength and courage to take one step closer to You today!"