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!"