The book of Genesis includes many stories about family life. This week Rabbi Woznica offers teachings about parents and children.
“But Mom and Dad, I don’t feel like going to religious or ‘Hebrew’ school.”
Parents sometimes ask their children if they would like to go to religious or “Hebrew” school. While they hope for a positive response, the question implies a choice—a choice that should be made by parents, not the child.
We wouldn’t ask our children if they want to make up their bed, brush their teeth, do homework or attend school. Parents value such things and we wouldn’t offer a choice.
As well-meaning as it may be to suggest to a child it is their choice to attend religious or “Hebrew” school, the question communicates to them that religious education is less important than general education or the other tasks mentioned above.
Instead, let’s ask our children if their religious education is meaningful, and if not, it is up to us to find the best place for them to learn and grow as a Jew.
— Rabbi David Woznica