Toras Imecha Parsha Parenting

Korach and his followers felt they deserved more than they had, or as all kids cry, "it's not fair!". Moshe's response shows us how to help our kids and ourselves grow out of that immature and unhappy perspective.

What can the Parsha teach us about life circumstances and world events that are not the way we want them? How can we and our children pivot from uncertainty to security?

After Birkas Kohanim which culminate in a blessing for shalom, peace, the Torah describes the Chanukas HaMizbeyach. If we look closely we'll see deep lessons about shalom for ourselves and our families in this lengthy section of the Parsha.

Why is Moshe credited with the building of the Mishkan? One doesn't have to do a job perfectly or completely for recognition, but rather with mesirus nefesh.

We may be sitting in our own separate homes this Shavuos, but at heart we are all together, completely connected and one. Torah unifies us across the world and also through the generations. Happy Shavuos!

What happened today? Why is there no Tachanun? Before giving us the Torah Hashem established a unique relationship with the Jewish people. The lesson from this day, Yom Habchira, impacts parents every day.

A lesson from the Parsha and Yom Yerushalayim for parents about davening for our children and letting Hashem do His part for them.

Nadav and Avihu died because they didn't have children? How would their choices have been different if they would have been parents? Learn how children help us become greater.

Why wasn't Torah given in the beauty and comfort of Israel? What lessons can we draw from this idea to our lives today?

Independence entails being being master of your own time. This is the revolutionary gift of the Moadim, Jewish holidays. And it's a valuable freedom to grant our kids.

How can we move from momentary inspiration to lasting change?

Viduy is an integral part of the Yom Kippur service. It's message to us is relevant as we choose what words to say and which worlds to build.

Communication can yield connection and isolation. Are your kids talking to you every minute of the day? Here's an opportunity to reframe and appreciate the chatter because it is building closeness and relationship.

Balancing school at home can be challenging. A timely reminder in the Parsha helps us evaluate our primary purpose and keep sight of the most important goals.

The original Pesach required Jews to be in their homes, family by family before they merited redemption. The coming of Mashiach will also be preceded by strengthened families. Let's use our opportunity well!

We will be the link that connects grandparents and great grandparents to our children this Pesach. Here's how. (Correction added - my grandmother's name is Bina Bayla bas Dov Beryl.)

Everything feels new right now, but Parshas Vayikra reminds us of what's really important for us to renew and reenergize.

We are living in very difficult times and we can't do it all. A thought on accepting our limits and being gentle with ourselves.

The opening words of this Parsha teach parents how to discipline and yet still keep love and connection at the core of your relationship with your child.

While many schools are closed and many mothers find themselves unexpectedly home with their children, I am sharing three ideas I find useful when I'm homeschooling my kids.

Fear is contagious and was the impetus for the cheit ha'egel. Today, our children are exposed to a lot of fear as well. What can we do to help them?

A lesson for all from Esther. When she was reminded of her role and potential destiny she became empowered and saved the Jewish people. We too have our roles and destinies and can learn to take action from Esther.

The kohanim in the Mishkan were recreating the first Jewish homes, and we, in our homes, are doing the same thing. Let's turn drudgery into holiness!

Are we happy when life goes our way or are we happy people? A lesson from Adar for ourselves and our children.

Is it a mitzvah or a guarantee? What can we learn from Hashem's promise to us and how can we practically bring this message to our children?