Parshas Emor
by Eli Herskovits

In the first pasuk of this week's parsha we encounter an interesting duplication of the word "Amar". Rashi suggests that this is the Torah's way of emphasizing its instruction to adults that they must educate their children.

Rav Moshe Feinstein z'tl takes a slightly different tact in answering this question. He stated that in order for a parent to educate their children effectively, they must teach their child by personal example. “Do as I say and not as I do” is not a Jewish concept.

If a parent wants their child to read, he should be seen reading. If a parent wants their child to do chesed, he should perform acts of kindness. If a parent wants their child to be shomer Torah and mitzvoth, he should set a good example of living a life of Torah values.

As parents, it is important to measure every word we utter in the presence of sensitive, impressionable children. Even our seemingly innocuous statements can have a lasting effect in the shaping ideas in our children's minds. By responding to Torah and mitzvot with enthusiasm and joy, we inculcate positive Torah values and attitudes in our children's hearts. Harav Feinstein explained that in this week’s parsha the Torah admonishes parents to perform mitzvoth with alacrity, vibrancy, and joy, so that their children may learn of the beauty of a Torah life.


Shabbat Shalom