Toras Imecha Parsha Parenting

The Torah promises us rewards for refraining from doing evil - something we all can do the vast majority of the time. This style of setting up for success is important to offer our children too. (The Nurtured Heart approach by Howard Glasser)

What feels right isn't always right and what feels holy isn't always holy. We need the mitzvos to influence us, our minds and emotions into people whose thoughts and feelings are correct.

Fear of the unknown is natural, but the Torah gives us a direction to be wholehearted with Hashem instead of trying to foresee the future. Listen for a message on how to help our children experience less anxiety as they prepare to go start an unsettling school year.

The importance of seeing where you want to go and then taking action to get there.

A thought from this Parsha reminding us that we are handpicked to be the best possible mother to our children!

When listing the non-kosher animals, the Torah starts by sharing their kosher qualities! Why? What can mother's learn from this?

What differentiates the Mountain of Bracha and the Mountain of Klala? They share the same physical resources yet are astonishingly different. This message addresses how we can change our external situations into blessings for us.

We are told to be like Hashem, and mothers do that every day. Let's not discount the little things we do as they are really the fulfillment of the mitzvah to walk in His ways.

Explore the special role of parents in teaching children Torah.

The Parsha calls to us to work on our internal personal spirituality. How can we share this value with our children?

Why is love between Klal Yisroel and Hashem repeatedly emphasized in this Parsha? How does it parallel love between mothers and children?

Two important perspectives on how our mesorah gets passed down the generations - both are integral to motherhood.

We all see the same images, but the way our minds process what we see is totally unique. Mothers have the privilege and responsibility to see their children in ways no one else can. What will we do with that?

Moshe describes the sin that led to Tisha B'av as a lack of Emunah, faith. Where does Emunah come from?

We want to say no for all the right reasons, but Parshas Devarim reminds us when to say yes.

Torah is just as relevant to our children today as it was to the generation hearing it from Moshe. How did Moshe give us the ability to live a Torah life in the 21st century?

Why are we told not only of Bnai Yisroel's 42 campsites in the wilderness, but also of their journeys to and from each one? This Parsha reminds parents that journeys and processes are important, not only the outcomes.

Why is the Kohein Gadol considered culpable to an extent in an inadvertent murder? The answer reminds parents we're not alone, we have a Partner who is waiting for us to ask for help.

We know what our priorities are, but do we put them first?

Parents don't always see the short term effects of their work. In this Parsha we see two examples of a parent's actions impacting generations, because parenting is forever!

Today marks the shattering of the luchos after the greatest generation of all time fell to the lowest of lows. What lesson can we learn from this day and how can we share it with our children?

What special quality did Moshe ask Hashem for the new leader of the Jewish people? The ability to understand and tolerate the different personalities, idiosyncrasies, and opinions of each person. Who else displays this quality? A mother!

Pinchas acted alone, he didn't take his cue from anyone else. There are times, particularly when raising children, that we need to do the same.

Bilaam was enraged when his loyal donkey suddenly refused to continue along the path. Yet the donkey rebuked him with a message that resonates for all of us in our daily interactions and certainly in our parenting.

When we are deeply excited by something, we want to tell others all about it. What passions are we sharing with our kids? What do they see as being deeply meaningful in our lives?