Being a Good Parent – Lessons from the Talmud
Parents and grandparents wanting to shape good and emotionally healthy children have an array of contemporary sources to guide them. This week, Rabbi Woznica shares ancient and pertinent wisdom of the Talmud.
“If a small child is capable of shaking the lulav correctly, his parents should buy him his own lulav.”
—Talmud Sukkah 28a
The lulav, the branch of a palm tree, is one of four species we wave on Sukkot. Most small children would have difficulty in shaking the lulav correctly. Yet, what if a small child has the ability to do so? The Talmud teaches parents to buy one for the child.
I interpret this Talmudic teaching broadly. If your child has a particular talent and interest in any worthwhile endeavor, foster the child’s desires. If your child has musical, academic, athletic, artistic, or other interests (again, that you believe worthy) do what you can to further it. Our children are like flowers. One of our roles is to provide the water and to enjoy their growth.
Rabbi David Woznica
[email protected]