Toras Imecha Parsha Parenting

Appreciating each child's uniqueness enhances family and communal unity.

Seemingly imperceptible changes mark the beginning of large tragedies. Subtle threats have obvious impacts. This played out in our history and contunues in the world today.

Strangely, Yaakov blessed his sons according to the blessings they already had. We would expect him to bless them in areas they weren't already blessed. This lesson applies to all children in all generations.

The flip side of responsibility is clearly knowing what we are not responsible for. Parshas Vayigash teaches us both.

Why did Yehudah switch attitudes while speaking to Yosef? The power of responsibility.

An amazing insight into the seven good-looking cows. They looked good, because Paraoh felt good! This idea has very practical ramifications for mothers! Please visit www.torasimecha.com to download your Chanukah gift from the "Writings" section.

The Chanukah miracle required significant and difficult human efforts because Chanukah is a celebration of our partnership with Hashem.

Why was Yaakov punished for putting Dinah in a chest before meeting Eisav? A lesson for all parents on the yahrtzeit of my grandfather, Rabbi Avraham Hyam Lapin.

Many of us have a natural tendency to limit ourselves and focus on what comes naturally. This Parsha reminds us to expand our possibilities and help our children do the same.

Chinuch is the opposite of one size fits all! It is instead, a personalized, individualized approach to raising children.

A lesson from the Parsha on the importance of a child feeling emotionally close to both parents together, as one.

This Parsha gives us a perspective to understand and embrace the adolescent stage in our children.

Why did Avraham only care about Rivka's middos, her character? Why wasn't her family background of idolatry a problem? What does is the lesson for parents today?

How did Eliezer's request test Rivka's quality of chesed? How do parents use that same strength to give to their children in ways that are emotionally satisfying?

What is the best way to do chesed? You'll be surprised to hear that it is what you do all the time!

Hashem chose Avraham because he would teach his children to follow Hashem's ways. We see that Avraham did this both through direct instruction and personal example. Visit www.torasimecha.com to listen to or read previous year's messages on Vayeira!

Avraham's children were blessed that they would be like stars, or was it a blessing that they would attempt impossible tasks like counting stars? Visit www.torasimecha.com to read previous year's Toras Imecha messages on the Parsha. Join the conversation with discussion questions!

A lesson from Avraham's name and the Hebrew words for father and mother about what a parent's role is and some tips to get there.

Why did the lion bite Noach when he was late with lunch? What does that have to do with parenting our children?

Noach's model for parents is one of building a home insulated from the outside world. Before we interact with others, we need to know who we are apart from them. Creating that sheltered environment takes time and effort, but it's worth it!

Teshuvah is in this world because we all need it as part of our process of growth. Mistakes are inevitable, teshuvah allows us to build from them and become greater.

Why must we send away a mother bird and why are we promised a good life if we do so? This unique mitzvah emphasizes the nobility and primary importance of motherhood to each Jew.

Moshe Rabeinu stresses the love between us and Hashem, because that is the foundation of our relationship. In fact, it's at the heart of every relationship, and one can only teach or guide within a loving relationship.

Lilui nishmas, Esther bas Yaakov, whose yahrtzeit is the 10th of Av.

Which is more important, the journey or the destination? The process or the product? The Torah's answer may surprise us.