The Lubavitcher Rebbe’s #1 Mitzvah
This is the 3rd year in a row that my learning partner, Sara Deb, and I are studying the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s Passover Haggadah together in order to prepare ourselves for Seder night. I love this Haggadah SO MUCH!
Jewish MOM, listen to what the Rebbe says on the words, “Our toil– this means the children…” The Rebbe explains:
“The Haggadah’s intuitive connection between “Children” and “Toil” teaches us that rearing children is inevitably associated with tireless dedication, for which no shortcuts can be found…
“To have children, to “be fruitful and multiply,” is the first of the 613 commandments recorded in the Torah. It was written first– explained Rabbi Yosef Yitzhak, the previous Lubavitcher Rebbe–to teach us that having children is the most important thing of all, the Torah’s first priority.” (p. 100)
Being pregnant is very difficult. Giving birth is very painful. Raising children is a daunting decades-long challenge that requires everything you’ve got. But being the mother of a Jewish child, the Rebbe says, is the most important thing you can ever possibly do in your life.
B”H
I need to add that we must model being Bas Melechs….we must walk with Emunah, Bitachon and Teffiliah on our hearts and in our actions….and we must be B’Simcha so that our children will learn how to grow in their Avodas Hashem by our example
Couldn’t be expressed any better, can you give some examples in child rearing challenges that this can be modeled?
I suppose second most important than would be teaching everyone’s children at the preschool and elementary level. Just imagine spending your day with 25 3-4 year olds! The truth is I love it and enjoy being able to show them how to get along, share, and learn Aleph Bais and Torah too!
Thank you so much for this excerpt, Chana Jenny Weisberg. I don’t know how you do it… you always, regularly, find the best possible things for us mothers and grandmothers to read. G-d bless you in your holy and beautiful work.
Thank you for publishing the Rebbe’s very firm affirmation that our toil and dedication to our Jewish children is indeed top priority!
Thanks for inspiring us Chana Jenny! I home school my kids and feel so thankful to be both their mother and teacher. b”H, I feel the Rebbe’s strength and blessing behind me every day.