We all have values that are dear and important to us whether it be "family", "being compassionate", "getting a good education" and a whole range of other ideas. As Jews, the value system that we aspire to live by, also includes the performance of Mitzvos, an emphasis on altruistic behavior, spending time studying some of Judaism's Torah teachings, uplifting and improving the world to reflect its Divine intent and many other values.In addition to the values themselves, we usually make an effort to share these with our children, with the goal being that they too will appreciate and seek to live by these important values.
The commandment to educate your child is actually found in this week's Torah portion in the section of the Shema. It states that "one should teach this to your children", referring to some of the big ideas that are contained in the Shema. In other words, educating your child is not just a nice thing to do, it is a commandment that we are mandated to do or at least to provide the infrastructure for it to happen.
The 16th Century sage ,Rabbi Moshe Alshich, once asked a rhetorical question on this commandment, by saying how is it truly possible to convey such big ideas and concepts to one's children. This is certainly no simple matter, and in addition children have a mind of their own and of course have their own free choice.
He then suggested, that the first part of the Shema which states "that you shall love the Lord, your G-d, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength" provides the solution for being able to pass on these values to your children.
In other words, when we love and hold dear morality, Mitzvos and our connection to G-d, our kids will see this and see what WE LOVE then they too will learn to appreciate these values.
More powerful than any speeches we give to our children, will be the unspoken words and deep passions that are intrinsic to who we are. Our kids are smart and pick up on what is really dear and important to us, and when we are tuned in to goodness, Mitzvot and morality, our kids will know that this is what defines who we are, which will in turn inspire them to also seek to care about these same things.
Good Shabbos & Shabbat Shalom
Yisroel