You are the Roots of Your Family Tree by Rebbetzin Yitty Neustadt A”H
[I was very saddened to hear of the sudden passing yesterday of Rebbetzin Yitty Neustadt. Rebbetzin Neustadt devoted her life to empowering Jewish women and mothers, and she will be sorely missed by her family as well as by her many students. Yehee zichra baruch.]
Here is one of her most unforgettable teachings:
A Jewish family is a tree.
Your children are the branches, your husband is the trunk, and you are the roots.
If you as a mother aren’t filling yourself up emotionally, spiritually, physically, then, like the roots of a tree during a drought, the entire tree will dry up.
A Jewish mother is also like the roots of a tree because the work we do is so often unseen. Taking place underground, so to speak.
Take care of yourself. Keep those roots well-watered and well-nourished for yourself and for the tree that thrives when you do.
Powerful teaching!