We are completing our first quarter of this uncertain and unpredictable school year. As we
began school in August we had every hope that as the school year progressed we would once again attain a sense of normalcy as we knew in the past. However, we are rising to the challenges of the new normal. We are flexible and resilient and are making many accommodations so that a fully enriched, individualized, education is being given to our students whether they are here in the building or learning remotely. Sometimes it may seem that we do not have a choice but we always do...we can choose to be happy or we can choose to be miserable but the situation is what it is. We, as a school community, have to be abundantly cautious whenever there is a question regarding the spread of Covid.
I am the type of person that reads the last chapter of the book first. I need to know how things are going to end up. I get very anxious if I do not have plans for what will be in a month from now, two months, next yom tov. But I am learning to be in the moment and while we plan for the future we celebrate the present.
In this week’s parshah, Rivkah, while she was pregnant, felt something strange and uncomfortable going on in her womb. Whenever she passed a place of idol worship, she felt a kick, a pull, a movement towards the left. Whenever she passed by a shul, she felt a kick, a pull, a movement to the right. Rivkah, as any pregnant mother knows, was terribly worried that something wrong, something strange was growing in her body. Rivkah wanted to know what was going to be and Rashi explains that she went to the beis medrash of Shem and Ever to ask what the end would be. Some interpretations are that she was worried that her child had a double soul and would be torn between idolatry and monotheism. Rivkah wanted to know how her child would turn out, which force would win. When she was told that she was carrying two children, she understood and was reassured. Both the Rashbam and the Ramban agree that once Rivkah understood the source of the internal struggle, and through prophecy was also told the future (that the older would serve the younger) she was no longer worried.
If we keep in mind that Hashem’s promises from the past continue on to the future, that Yaakov will surpass Eisav, we too can be at ease.
There is more in this parshah which I feel is important to share as we will be sending out report cards this week.
Yaakov and Eisav were very different from conception (maybe DNA does contain the genes for personality) and yet until the age of thirteen the boys attended the same school (Bereishis Rabbah 63:14) Only after Bar Mitzvah did they separate. Rav Shimshon Rephael Hirsch points out that this may have been detrimental to their development, as their individual characteristics and abilities were not taken into account. We are probably all familiar with the great principle of education (Mishlei 22:6) חנוך לנער על-פי דרכו- Train the youth in accordance with his way. Rav Hirsch writes that when Yaakov’s sons gathered to receive the blessing of their father, Yaakov saw them as future leaders of the tribes, but he did not see them or bless all the same. They were not all priests or religious leaders. Yaakov blessed the shvatim, “each according to his own blessing” (Bereishit 49:28). Each tribe, each individual, could use their unique talents, their bravery, courage, thoughtfulness, sensitivity, art, or business acumen, to serve Hashem. It is with their different occupations, they could all be performing the great task of being a G-d Fearing Jewish community.
Rav Hirsch continues that “one who places Yaakov and Eisav on the same study bench, and teaches them both together the same way towards a life of study and thought, is guaranteed to ruin one of them. “
We have to keep this in mind as we educate our own beautiful daughters. I often tell the girls that they are like precious gems, multi-faceted, brilliant, but each unique, no two are alike. So when we review our children’s academic achievement we must praise them for their accomplishments and encourage them to build on their strengths. Rav Hirsch reminds us that the story of Yaakov and Eisav teaches us that human development is dependent on the coordination between a person’s innate qualities and the way that he/she is educated. As parents, and as educators, we need to help our children discover their special talents and we must celebrate their accomplishments. Yes, we need to guide them, set limits, all while giving them the opportunities to discover their passions.
Many times while we are on the way of raising children we, like Rivkah, feel their struggles but knowing that with a healthy upbringing, a loving home, space for individuality, and a great deal of s’yata d’shemaya, help from Above, we will get to see much nachos from our children.
Have a Shabbat Shalom
Rochelle Brand, Ed.D
Head of School
Comments