Parsha Parenting - Chabad of Beverlywood

Wednesday, January 30, 2013 - 7:22 PM

Yisro

“And there Israel camped opposite the mountain (19:2)

At all their other encampments, the verse says vayachanu ("and they camped," in the plural); here it says vayichan ("and he camped," in the singular). For all other encampments were in argument and dissent, whereas here they camped as one man, with one heart. (Mechilta; Rashi)

What was the key to such a beautiful unity and peaceful existence of the Jewish peope as they camped? Chassidus explains that it was because they were “opposite the mountain”, meaning, against (opposite) their ego (mountain). True love which connects people in the essence of their being comes from getting rid of egotistical feelings and selfishness.

As parents, the only true way to create the peaceful sanctuary a Jewish home is meant to be is to begin with ourselves. To look at ego and selfishness as something to be “against”, is the key to recognizing the beauty that lies deep within another.

This Shabbos, explore ways of reaching out further to create peace, by changing one thing that you do which until now could have been for selfish motives.

Parsha Parenting-Beshalach

Thursday, January 24, 2013 - 5:41 PM

This Chodesh (new moon, month) shall be to you the head of months; it shall be for you the first of the months of the year (12:2)

Time is the first creation (see Sforno on Genesis 1:1); thus, the sanctification of time is the first mitzvah commanded to Israel.

(The Lubavitcher Rebbe)

“If only there were more hours in a day… If only we had the time to…”

TIME is a very precious creation of Hashem… it is actually the first creation! And just as with any other created thing, when used for productive and holy purposes, it increases. Seconds, minutes, hours and days seem to be scientifically measured and counted. Yet, we have all experienced success and failure with time. On one day, a task or errand can take five minutes; on another, the same activity can take an hour. We are granted success with our time when we use it wisely.

As parents, we can get caught up with the many priorities a day’s challenges present. But we must constantly be aware of an essential need of every child: OUR TIME. Giving a child quality time is one of the biggest investments you can make in the relationship with your child. Quality time is mutually enjoyable and creates a space for very important interactions. When you set a consistent routine of spending at least ten minutes of one on one time for each child daily (which both parent and child are enjoying), you are indeed elevating the creation of time and building the foundation for a crucial relationship.

This Shabbos, look for ways to create special times within the day for quality interactions with each child. You will be surprised at how many opportunities there are within your busy daily routine to incorporate this…

May we merit a time when we will once again be able to sanctify the new moon in the Bais Hamikdash in Yerushalayim!

Parshas Yisro

Parsha Parenting-Beshalach