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Drash
for Shabbat Toldot It was our first day. We were strolling through the Jewish Quarter in Paris, where we found a "famous" falafel restaurant and had lunch…. my kids experiencing a relatively new food in a very new place, my wife and I marveling over the fact that we were sitting in Paris with our family one summer afternoon. On our second night, we emerged from the underground Metro, on our way to a boat tour down the Seine. Right in front of us was the Eiffel Tower, illuminated in blue with flashing white lights, as was done about 15 minutes out of each hour starting at dusk. My wife and daughter stood ogling over its beauty while my son and I snapped photo after photo. While reading this week’s Torah portion and deciding the subject matter for this Drash, I was amazed at the dysfunction of family that was portrayed. It seems that if there is one thing the Torah teaches us about family relationships, it is that it should be based on honesty and love. Yet, in this portion, it is clear that even some of our most important players, considered to be matriarchs and patriarchs of the Jewish people, have serious issues with family and raising children. As examples, Rebecca and Isaac clearly do not treat their children equally and Rebecca teaches Jacob that deception is acceptable. Why do I relate this to our wonderful family vacation this past summer? Because, while reading this portion, I quite simply felt lucky and it made me think of those two specific instances on our trip. It is also enlightening to question one’s own parenting abilities and hopefully improve upon them. While researching this Drash, I came upon a list of "21 ideas for bringing out the best in your children", written by a Rabbi named Zelig Pliskin. Many of the ideas were simple and obvious, but all were very thought-provoking. I will share with you my 2 favorites, but I will also include the website at the bottom of my Drash, where all 21 can be found. I like number 6, which says "Realize that each child is unique and different. Understand each child’s uniqueness and take it into consideration when challenges arise." And number 12 says "Master patience. Life is a seminar in character development. Your children are your partners in helping you become a more patient person." Many people in this room are parents, have parents or will be parents. What we can learn from this Parsha is that none of us are perfect parents and that there is a lot to learn everyday. Whether you are a rabbi or a pediatrician, a parent of grown kids or young infants, I urge you to read these "ideas" on the website, and I strongly feel that you will make yourself and your children better people. www.aish.com/torahportion/shalomweekly/Toldot_5765.asp Shabbat Shalom.
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