Page 46 - Jewish News_Sept2021

6B September 2021 FOCUS ON YOUTH
Focus on Youth
F o cus on Y
outh

Parents as unconditional advocates

will grant your request which you have was not consoled that her legacy would Each child is a child of G-d. They
asked of Him.” live thorough a different, albeit more have a perfect soul, untouchable by the
Chana’s prayers were answered perfect, more disciplined child. ravages of life, their outward mistakes
and she conceived a child, naming him Chana’s plea on behalf of her son and imperfections. How can a child
Samuel, because, she said, “I asked imparts a powerful lesson in education of G-d not be perfect, loveable and a
him of the Lord.” for today’s parents. Her son’s flaws and source of pride?
As soon as Samuel was old imperfection made no difference to her. When our children sense and feel
enough, Chana fulfilled her promise She loved him and believed in him un- that we love them for who they are and
and brought her son to be raised in pu- conditionally. And he grew up to be a not for who we want them to be, we
rity and holiness in the house of G-d famous Jewish prophet. give them the space to reach unimag-
through the prophet Eli. Our children may choose a different inable heights. Our love and pride in
Yet, there were challenges ahead. path than we hoped. They will definitely our children help them grow to be who
Education Corner Samuel upset his teacher on day one. make mistakes and may even disappoint they are meant to be and achieve their

By Chanie Bukiet The commentaries explain that his mis- us. Nevertheless, our love for them true potential.
May G-d bless us all on the cusp
must remain unconditional and true.
behavior reached a point where Eli did
re we proud of our children? not see him fit to continue in this role Society may tell us that our chil- of a new year, that as Chana believed
Do we love them uncondi- of a future prophet as he was destined dren cannot achieve that which we in her child, we should believe in our
Ationally? Are we their fierce to be. Eli was ready to have Samuel’s know they are destined for. But a Jew- children. And as Chana’s son grew to
advocates? place taken by another child. ish parent knows the power and the be a prophet, our children should de-
On the first day of Rosh Hashanah, Here, Chana’s prayers continue in value of unconditional love. velop as the future generation of strong
we read about Chana, a woman who earnest. She advocated for her child Like Chana, we need to advocate Jewish leaders.
was barren for many years and prayed and begged Eli to continue to be patient for our children, passionately and fierce- Chanie Bukiet is the program director
to G-d for a child. Her moving story with him. Eli tried placating Chana by ly, believing in them, not despite, but at Chabad of Bradenton & Lakewood
provides insight on how to raise our saying perhaps it won’t be this child because of their seeming imperfections. Ranch.
children. that will become a prophet, perhaps
In Chana’s emotional prayers, she some other child that she will bear in
promised G-d, “…If You will look the future can take his place. And here, FED
upon my affliction, and You will re- Chana cried out from the depth of her
member me, and You will give me a heart, “For THIS young lad I prayed.” we are
child, I will give him to G-d ..all the She refused to trade in this boy
days of his life.” for someone else. She was unable JFEDSRQ.ORG
Eli, the prophet, heard her prayer to accept that this child had lost the
and blessed her: “Go in peace, and G-d capacity to be a prophet of G-d, and Educating Jewish Minds Engaging Jewish Lives Enriching Jewish Hearts

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