Parshas Emor 5786
- Torah Tavlin
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
וכהן כי יקנה נפש קנין כספו הוא יאכל בו ויליד ביתו הם יאכלו בלחמו ... (כב-יא)
In the first posuk of this week’s parsha, on the two words"אמור" , and then the seemingly redundant "ואמרת", Rashi quotes a well-known Chazal: "להזהיר גדולים על הקטנים". Advise the grown Kohanim that they must ensure that the youthful Kohanim adhere to the laws, and not become טמא.
This is the continuous responsibility of parents and educators who deal with our young. Besides for the ever-vigilant attention needed, is there another idea or method we can implement to aid in this all important task?
The word "להזהיר" can also mean to cast a light. In other words, the adults’ actions, their conduct and their very way of life, should mold and influence the younger generation. We should inspire them through our own avodas Hashem.
Additionally, light has a warmth to it. If we show them the beauty of Torah through warmth and ‘hartz’, we have a chance to leave a positive, indelible impression. Our interactions with children can vary as will the results.
The Chasam Sofer zt”l has a vort on the aforementioned posuk. Kohen, he says, refers to anyone who learns or teaches Torah. Chazal say that anyone who teaches a friend’s child Torah, is as if he gave birth to that child. Similarly, anyone who is machzik Torah, attains that distinction as well. Thus, "וכהן כי יקנה נפש" - he who acquires a student through teaching him, or "קנין כספו" - through support of Torah, "הוא יאכל בו" - HE will reap the rewards. But, "ויליד ביתו", a true biological child, "הם יאכלו בלחמו" - they will eat from you. Meaning they are dependent on you for the innumerable things that may arise. There’s a much bigger need for"להזהיר" ; to cast on them your light, warmth, love and attention.
In Yiddishkeit there’s a tremendous emphasis on mesorah. With heartfelt tefillah and considerable סייעתא דשמיא, we should be zoche to yiddishe nachas from all the beautiful young neshomos, as we observe them perpetuating that גאלדינע מסורה.