Toras Imecha Parsha Parenting

Why are the Torah's words for "and he mourned" and "and he was consoled" reflexive, (hispael form)? How can we assist our children to go through these important processes and emerge resilient?

We can identify mistakes that contributed to mechiras Yosef, (even beyond the brothers' actions), but we don't see Yaakov or Yosef assuming any guilt or responsibility. On the contrary, it was Hashem who made it happen. A lesson for us perhaps?

What can parents learn from Yaakov's delayed responses to his children? Why shouldn't we give our opinion right away?

The only thing to fear is.... Yaakov Avenue is frightened in Vayishlach, yet his fear spurs him to action instead of despair. How can we channel fear productively for ourselves and our children?

Yaakov met angels twice in this Parshah, but the impact of each meeting was different. Why were the angels so excited to see Yaakov at the end of the Parshah?

What was so bad about Eisav rejecting the bechorah? Why is it problematic to scare kids with warnings of fire and brimstone?

The differences between Yaakov and Eisav went beyond smooth vs hairy or their choices of activities. Their names reflect their contradictory world-views.

What is the special link between women and Rosh Chodesh? How does it impact us today?

Why did Avraham care more about his future daughter-in-law's middos than her fear of Heaven?

This is one of my favorite Parshah parenting thoughts! Why is chesed we do at home for our family more special than what we do for others?

Does parenting age us or keep us young? Learn the Torah perspective from Avraham.

Why did Avraham choose to welcome strangers instead of conversing with Hashem? The same reason you and I make the same choice all the time!

When will my actions reach the level of my Avos? Does that mean I need to try grand, lofty undertakings? The Alter of Slobodka answers us with a message especially pertinent to mothers.

We are introduced to the word chinuch in conjunction with "those born into his household ". The two are inseparable as chinuch is best when begun at birth.

When should we answer? When should we be quiet? Learn from Avraham the wisdom behind answering questions.

Motherhood can be lonely as we each have to make unique decisions for our family. But we can learn and be strengthened from Avraham who stood alone, yet not truly alone.

How did Noach and his wife manage to raise three sons worthy of surviving the Flood unlike every other parent in the world?

Why do Chazal find fault with Noach's Emunah? How could his faith be lacking? Listen to learn how Emunah connects to childraising and actively brings the promise of the future to today.

What does it take to adapt to a new world reality? How can we help ourselves and our children do so now?

Sure we have setbacks and make mistakes, but our accomplishments are still Very Good. Let's not let our inevitable errors overshadow our successes.

Standing Alone Before Hashem

Why does Moshe introduce Yehoshua to his position with dire predictions? How do we approach tough times? How do we model "choosing life" for our children.

Who benefits when small children are brought to Hakhel? Both the children and parents are impacted powerfully and positively. Here's how.

If adults feel invisible behind masks, how do children feel? Moshe Rabeinu reminds us in this week's sedros to notice and address each person so they feel seen and valued.

How can we develop gratitude in ourselves and our children? The Parshah teaches that the more we say thank you, the more grateful we feel!