8) Anti-Semitism: It is difficult to believe that in less than 70 years since the end of World War II, we are witnessing a frightening rise in anti-Semitism. The war in Gaza unleashed a wave of Jew-hatred that has not been seen since pre-Holocaust days. With cries of “Death to the Jews” being heard in Berlin and Paris, Natan Sharansky said, “I believe we are seeing the beginning of the end of Jewish history in Europe. I see this as a historical moment — as the beginning of the process of distancing Jews from Europe.” (http://www.timesofisrael.com/are-the-sins-of-israel-visited-on-europes-jews/) . Living in New York we have become accustomed to openly expressing our Judaism in dress and lifestyle. Our families have become complacent in our secure neighborhoods and living freely without alarm. Although there have been tense moments over the years, most Jewish children residing in the metropolitan New York and tri-state area have likely not experienced an anti-Jewish incident. However, a recent report from the FBI indicated that Jews are still the victims of nearly two-thirds of all religion-based hate crimes in America. My concern is that as anti-Israel/anti-Jewish sentiment increases in Europe, there will be negative implications for American Jews. While I am not suggesting that we live in fear, we do need to raise our children to be cautious.
9) America and Activism: We often take for granted the freedoms we enjoy in America. The United States is Israel’s greatest friend, strategic partner and chief ally in the world. It is important that we remain thankful for this relationship by including America in our prayers. We also need to remain politically active and do all we can to promote candidates and policies that advocate for this supportive and historic relationship. Our children need to be introduced to political activism as a means of supporting Israel and Jewish causes. This includes discussing current events, understanding how government operates and taking part in rallies and gatherings that support Israel and the Jewish community. Of particular importance, it is critical that our children be able to articulate why an unwavering relationship between Israel and the USA is good for both countries. See resource material at http://www.aipac.org/
10) Prayer and Shalom Bayit: Raising Jewish children in the 21st century is becoming an increasingly difficult task. Parents face many challenges and encounter many questions. The Steipler Rav (TZ”L) once remarked that raising Jewish children successfully depends on two factors. Fifty percent of the success in raising a child is prayer. If there is one thing worth praying for and worth pouring out one’s heart for, it is that one should merit having good children. The other fifty percent, the Steipler Rav said, is Shalom Bayit. When children see parents living together with love, cooperation, and respect for one another in a serene environment, it profoundly affects the type of person they will become.
It will be up to historians to determine if the summer of 5774 is a transformational event in world history. But from a Jewish perspective every event in our lives has the potential to be transformational. As a People we place our trust in G-d who will lead us “mai’afailah l’orah” – “from darkness to light.” And as parents we have a responsibility to illuminate a path for our children so that they will have the opportunity to live a life dedicated to Torah and bring sanctity, peace, hope and love into the world.