Written in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of our dear son Elazar Nissim, נ״י. Mazal Tov!
If you were to sit down and pen a letter of sage advice to your child, what would you write? Where would you even begin? Well, between the busy week of planning and running to and fro making sure every detail is executed to perfection (don’t worry, this is all being handled by the angel that I call my wife, otherwise there wouldn’t be a bar mitzvah), I decided I would take a moment to impart some essential wisdom to my newly-13-year-old son.
🔹 First and foremost, Hashem runs the world. There’s really nothing more to talk about. You could stop reading right here if you wanted to, because that’s really all you have to know. It is even more apropos that your bar mitzvah coincides with Parshas Chukas, because it is davka in this parsha that you learn that even when events in your life resemble a chok, even when you live in a world that you don’t understand, know that His ways are perfect, that nothing is by chance, and that everything – EVERYTHING – is for the good. Remember: Ein. Od. Milvado.
🔹 Work to build a strong, personal relationship with Hashem, your loving Father in Heaven. As you grow, the connection will grow as well. Yes, it’s a bond that takes real effort, but trust me, it’s worth it. There is nothing in the world more satisfying. 🔹 The Torah is forever. Every knowledge in the world can be found inside this sacred scroll. Seek out and make for yourself a rebbi who can teach you its holy words and guide you in its righteous path. Find that teacher, my son, and never let go. 🔹 Believe in the power of prayer. Whether you say it in your own words or utilize the mystical order of tefillos that our chachamim carefully put in place, know that almost nothing is stronger than a pure, heartfelt prayer. 🔹 Believe in second chances. We live in an imperfect world. Mistakes are real but so is the power of teshuva. 🔹 Guard your eyes, as they are the window to your soul. Guard your ears, as they are the doorway to your heart. Guard your tongue, a most dangerous weapon that when utilized properly can become your most potent tool of all. And don’t underestimate the power of a kind word or the impact of a smile. 🔹 Make music a part of your life. There is a song for every moment, a reason to sing and praise Hashem with every breath. So whether the tune is fast or slow, soft or loud, always be sure to listen with your heart.
💙 My dearest Elazar, while there is so much more insight to convey, life has a way of teaching these lessons to you without me having to say a word. My bracha to you is that you continue to follow in the ways of the giants whose shoulders you stand upon today, heeding their wisdom as you become the fine young man that your mother and I daven for you to be.
With all my love,
Abba
Back in 1992, Mordechai Ben David released what many still consider to be his best album to date. Moshiach was not only chock-full of hits but the album actually managed to single-handedly raise the bar for the entire Jewish Music industry. I would argue that if it hadn’t already been established up to this point, this release all but secured MBD’s title as The Undisputed King of Jewish Music. Shma B’nee was composed by Moshe Mordechai (Mona) Rosenblum & MBD and accompanying “The King” on this legendary track was wonder child soloist Arele Roth.
When it comes to letters written to sons, there might be none more famous than the letter written by Rabbi Moshe ben Nachman (Ramban, 1194-1270). The letter, referred to as the Iggeres HaRamban, was written by the Ramban from the city of Akko in Eretz Yisroel to his son Nachman in Catalonia, Spain in the year 1267. At the time, the Ramban was 72 years old – just three years before he was niftar.
The letter is one of mussar, ethical instruction, sent to inspire his son to act with humility. As the well-known Jewish principle goes (Midrash Vayikra Rabbah 9:3): Derech Eretz Kadma L’Torah – decency and kind behavior precedes the Torah, each of the 32 sentences contains priceless guidance, with great emphasis placed on the refinement of ones midos. The Ramban instructed his son to read the letter once a week and to teach it to his children as well, so that they might learn it by heart.
It begins, “Shema b’ni mussar avicha, v’al titosh toras imecha (Mishlei 1:8). – Heed, my son, the discipline of your father, and do not forsake the guidance of your mother. Tisnaheg tamid l’daber kol dvarecha b’nachas, l’chol adam, uv’chol eis, uv’zeh tinatzeil min haka’as – she’hi midah ra’ah… – Accustom yourself to speak gently to all people at all times. This will protect you from anger – a most serious character flaw…” Words no less valid today than they were 750 years ago, are they not?
Wishing a Good Shabbos to one and all! Thank you for joining us in our simcha! Mazal Tov!
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