Dear Parents,
As self-awareness progresses in a developing child, first comes the realization that he is a being separate from his mother. As the child continues to develop and his sense of individuality grows, he begins to realize that he is part of something larger than himself, namely his family. At a further stage he becomes aware of extended family, neighbors, classmates and community. Around the age of chinuch – 5, 6 years old, he becomes aware that he is a part of Klal Yisroel.
Around the age of chinuch – 5, 6 years old, he becomes aware that he is a part of Klal Yisroel.How important is that awareness? In Sefer Oznaim Al HaTorah, Rav Zalman Sorotzkin zt’l points out (Shemos 35:1) that Shabbos and the Mishkan are mitzvos for Klal Yisroel. It is clear that the Mishkan is a communal effort, constructing a center for serving Hashem is achieved through the combined efforts of a community of people. Shabbos, however, is not so obvious. We delight in Shabbos within the confines of our home, extend our time Davening in shul and spend more time with family, friends and neighbors. How does it reach beyond our local surroundings?
Rav Sorotzkin points out that it is precisely to bring home the point that Shabbos is a shared observance of all Klal Yisroel, that this week’s Parsha tells us that Moshe taught the mitzvah of Shabbos to the Jews ויקהל משה את כל עדת בני ישראל by gathering all of the congregation of Israel. It was in the presence of 600,000 Jews that Moshe instructed about Shabbos. There is clearly an individual obligation to guard the Shabbos but there is also a component that touches and unites all of Klal Yisrael. Furthermore, we are taught that Hashem told the Shabbos – Klal Yisroel will be your זוג, your partner. Not an individual Jew, but the nation of the Jews.
It was in the presence of 600,000 Jews that Moshe instructed about Shabbos.When a Jew desecrates the Shabbos r’l, it impinges on everyone else’s observance of Shabbos, because Klal Yisroel has to fulfill its obligations to Shabbos. Just as a limb of a person that is hurting causes pain to the entire body, one Jew who fails to keep Shabbos dulls the observance of the rest of Klal Yisroel. It therefore should arouse everyone to stand up and try to counter the profound negative effect of a Jew not keeping Shabbos properly. When our observance and appreciation increase, it inspires us and creates spiritual waves that raise the Kovod Shabbos and inspires our family and Klal Yisroel.
Understanding our role as individuals who are part of the entire nation of Jews is not an easy concept for a child to grasp. It is something that has to be taught. Parents should make a point of showing how great Klal Yisroel is, what a privilege and blessing it is to be part of the Chosen People. It is important that our children understand they are part of a great people and that they take great pride in being a member of Klal Yisroel.
It is important that our children understand they are part of a great peopleWe all worry about our children’s self-esteem and self-confidence. We look for ways to bolster their self-image and give them more confidence. An impactful place to begin is to help them realize the incredibly good fortune that we each have by being one part of the greatest people ever to walk on this earth. Our pride goes way beyond whatever skills and talents Jews possess or accomplishments our nation may have achieved. Our pride stems from our inner essence – that we are one of those that Hashem has chosen to be His special legion.
Have a wonderful Shabbos for yourself and for all Klal Yisroel,
Rabbi Kalman Baumann
