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Shabbat Shalom -
Last week, prior to Shavuot and Shabbat I wanted to write a combined message and send it upon my arrival in Florida. Unfortunately my flight was delayed and I did not arrive in time to share my message. As it turns out, this was a blessing in disguise because the words I would have shared paled in comparison to what my 6 year old, Ori, explained to me as I was putting him to bed last Thursday night.
As we were cuddling, Ori told to me that we were about to celebrate the holiday of Shavuot which is when we received the ten commandments. He could only remember his 6 favorite commandments which he then proceeded to rattle off. I just took such joy in hearing his version of the commandments and I want to share them with you:
1. Do not pray to other Gods.
2. Respect your parents.
3. Be happy with what you have.
4. Celebrate Shabbat.
5. Be fair.
6. Do not go on a date with you neighbor's husband or wife.
Of course, when he got to #6 and shared this commandment with me, in all of his 6 year old sincerity, I was glad we were in the dark because I was trying so hard not to laugh. Out of the mouths of babes. Ori went to sleep and I began thinking about what he revealed to me - his practical commandments. I started thinking about the straightforward nature of his list and the profound depth of meaning in his sweet words. Ori stated the commandments in such a matter of fact way saying - this is how we should live - right Mom? He didn't question the validity of the words, where they came from, how they arrived, or if they had other meanings. He took them at face value - facts.
What if we were all able to look at the simple list above and live by those guidelines? You must know, as a Mom, I was just beaming with pride that I have such a thoughtful child eager to impart his Jewish learning on me. It was one of those moments in life that you can't help but think, I guess I am doing something right as a parent?
We all have the opportunity to listen and learn from one another and I am honored to have learned something from my child about how he sees the world. My hope as a Mom, for him, is that he remembers the commandments in the way he just retaught them to me. And, my hope for us as adults, is that we can really see life this simply too in terms of happiness, celebration and most important, satisfaction. Do me a favor and read Ori's list again.
Not that I like delays in airports and flying in bad weather, but my reward for the difficult journey to Florida last weekend was delicious words of wisdom from my child. Who could ask for more?
My husband and 2 older children head to Massachusetts this weekend and our entire Dragon clan will be back together. I can hardly wait.
I wish you and your family a Shabbat Shalom.
Meredith
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Sincerely,
Meredith Dragon
Executive Director
Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts |
