A new episode has been released on the “Menorah” YouTube channel as part of the weekly Torah lesson series by Chief Rabbi of Dnipro Shmuel Kaminezki, dedicated to the Torah portion of Nitzavim-Vayelech. This time, the Rav speaks about raising children and what parents pass on to the next generation—not only through words but above all through their own example and the atmosphere of a Jewish home.
Parshas Nitzavim-Vayelech serves as the foundation for a discussion about the place of children in the spiritual life of the family and the community. The Torah calls for everyone to be gathered together—men, women, and children—to listen, learn, and be strengthened in awe of the Almighty. The Rav explains why this principle is important from the earliest age and why a child does not need to understand every word in order to already learn through participation, observation, and the atmosphere around them.
Rav Shmuel Kaminezki pays special attention to a question familiar to many parents: is it better to leave young children at home so that it is quieter and calmer in the synagogue? The Rav shows that children’s noise is a natural part of community life, and a child’s participation in Shabbos, prayer, and other Jewish events gradually shapes their inner world. The same applies at home: Torah books, Jewish traditions, and the parents’ behavior create the environment from which a child absorbs their first notions of faith and Jewish life.
The main message of the lesson is that spiritual education begins much earlier than a child is able to consciously understand adult explanations. What they see, hear, and feel in the family becomes part of them and can remain with them for life. Therefore, passing on the Torah to the next generation is not only talking about values but also the daily personal example of parents.
This episode will be of interest to all who think about raising children, the role of family, and how to preserve Jewish tradition and pass it on. Watch the new lesson by Rabbi Shmuel Kaminezki on the Menorah channel and share your thoughts in the comments.
