Weekly Dvar Torah: Thank You Hashem for the Gift of Children

The Talmud (Shabbos 118b) teaches us an intriguing lesson about praise and gratitude. Rabbi Yosei proclaimed: “May my portion be among those who complete Hallel every day.” The Gemara challenges this statement, citing a tradition that reciting Hallel daily diminishes its sanctity, comparing it to blasphemy. The resolution? Rabbi Yosei referred to the verses of praise (“Pesukei Dezimra”) recited during the morning prayers rather than the full Hallel reserved for special occasions.

This nuanced understanding reveals a profound truth: there is a balance to gratitude. While daily acknowledgment of Hashem’s blessings is essential, certain moments call for extraordinary expressions of thanks and celebration. These moments of celebration are sacred and transformative, and recently, I experienced such moments in abundance.

Over the past month, my family and I have been privileged to welcome three new grandchildren. We traveled far and wide to celebrate these joyous occasions: a Bris in Ellenville, another Bris in Houston, and the birth of a beautiful baby girl in Crown Heights. Mazal Tov!

This abundance of blessings brings to mind a poignant teaching from the Hayom Yom (9 Nissan): “Jewish wealth is not houses and money. Jewish wealth, which is eternal, is the merit of bringing children and grandchildren into the world who will observe the Torah and its Mitzvos.” True wealth lies in perpetuating our heritage, in building families steeped in faith and dedication to Hashem.

Each day, we beseech Hashem with the words from Yeshaya (59:21): “As for Me, this is My covenant with them,” says the Lord. “My spirit, which is upon you and My words that I have placed in your mouth, shall not move from your mouth or from the mouth of your children or from the mouth of your children’s children, from now and forever.” These verses encapsulate the heart of our mission—to transmit our values and teachings to future generations, ensuring the continuity of our eternal covenant.

Divine Providence often aligns life’s events with the weekly Torah portion, providing timely lessons and insights. In recent weeks, we’ve read about the Jewish people’s exile in Egypt and Pharaoh’s cruel decree targeting Jewish children. Yet, the Torah testifies to the Jewish response: “The children of Israel were fruitful and swarmed and increased and became very, very strong, and the land became filled with them” (Shemos 1:7). Despite immense hardship, the Jewish people persevered, embracing life and growth as acts of defiance and faith.

The Hayom Yom of 22 Teves emphasizes the centrality of education. The Rebbe Rashab declared, “Just as putting on tefillin every day is a Scriptural commandment incumbent on every Jew, so too, it is an absolute obligation for every Jew to dedicate half an hour every day to thinking about their children’s education. One must do everything in their power—and even beyond their power—to ensure that their children follow the proper path.” This directive underscores the responsibility we bear to nurture and guide our children, investing time and effort into their spiritual and moral growth.

This week also marks Chof Daled Teves (24 Teves), the 212th yahrzeit of the Alter Rebbe, the founder of Chabad. The Alter Rebbe’s legacy is deeply intertwined with the value of education. His first published work, “Hilchos Talmud Torah,” elaborates extensively on the mitzvah of educating one’s children and grandchildren. One poignant story from his life illustrates this principle:

When the Alter Rebbe’s son, Rabbi DovBer, was a young man, he lived in a ground-floor apartment, while the Alter Rebbe resided on the floor above. One night, as Rabbi DovBer immersed himself in Torah study, his infant child fell out of the cradle. Deeply engrossed, Rabbi DovBer did not hear the child’s cries. The Alter Rebbe, studying upstairs, heard the cries, descended to the ground floor, lifted the child, soothed him, and gently rocked him back to sleep. Later, the Alter Rebbe admonished his son: “No matter how lofty your spiritual pursuits, you must never fail to hear the cry of a child.”

The Lubavitcher Rebbe often recounted this story, highlighting its enduring relevance. “This story characterizes the approach of Chabad-Lubavitch,” he explained. “With all the emphasis on self-refinement and personal service of Hashem, one must always hear the cry of a child. This is especially true when many Jewish children may have fallen out of the cradle of their heritage. Their souls cry out to us, and we must have the sensitivity to hear their cries and respond. We must interrupt our prayers and studies to do everything in our power to soothe these desperate souls and restore them to their Jewish cradle.”

This message resonates deeply as I reflect on the recent blessings in my life. Welcoming new grandchildren into the world is a privilege that comes with a profound sense of responsibility. It is a call to action—to invest in their education, nurture their faith, and guide them to live meaningful, Torah-true lives. For these opportunities and for the unparalleled Nachas they bring, I publicly thank Hashem.

Gratitude, as Rabbi Yosei taught, is a daily obligation. Yet, moments of extraordinary joy, like the birth of a child or grandchild, call for heightened expressions of thanks and celebration. They remind us of our mission, our values, and the eternal blessings Hashem bestows upon us.

Thank You, Hashem, for the precious gift of family. Thank You for the privilege of Jewish wealth—children and grandchildren dedicated to Torah and Mitzvos. May we always hear the cries of our children, respond with love and dedication, and merit to see them thrive and illuminate the world with their deeds to merit the coming of Moshiach. Amen.

Have a Shabbos of Love and Education,
Gut Shabbos

Rabbi Yosef Katzman