EIKEV: Communal Education Responsilbilty

Shema Yisrael Hashem Elokeinu Hashem Echad! This is one of the most well known Jewish passages and is recited in our daily prayers with its following two paragraphs. These profound paragraphs appear in last week and this week's Torah Portions. Both of which charge us to serve G-d with all our heart and soul, and command us to observe the mitzvos of tefilin, mezuza, and teaching Torah to children.

Although upon examination we find a difference between them. The first paragraph, written in the singular tense, is addressed to the individual. However, the second paragraph, written in the plural tense, is addressed to the community. In addition, the second paragraph also includes mention of the reward and punishment for keeping the above-mentioned and other Mitzvos.

Our commentators explain that the plural wording of the commandment to teach our children, demonstrates the teacher's obligation towards his students while the singular term refers to a parent's obligation.

When it comes to the Jewish education of our children, both the individual and the community share the responsibility of fulfilling this mitzva. Parent and teachers alike may do it for altruistic reasons. We can ensure a proper Jewish education for fear of punishment - "modern day" punishments might include assimilation, drugs, cults or intermarriage. Or we might be involved in Jewish education because of the reward - nachas from children, being honored at a dinner, etc. Whatever the reason, whoever the person, wherever the community, a proper Jewish education for every Jewish child must be our number one priority.

In that vein, this week we will be unveiling a newly designed website for Torah Day School of Houston at www.tdshouston.org. In addition to information about the school, the site will also include guidance, parenting and inspirational articles on education of our children. Check it out in the coming days and have a good Shabbos! 

Rabbi Chaim
ChabadTexas.org.org Editor