Written by Rabbi Gidon Goldberg
Dear Parents,
Parshas Va’eira is a testimony to the famous adage of “Hakina hataava vehakovod motziin es ho’odom min ho’olom – jealousy, lust, and honor can remove a person from this world.” This week’s parshah relates the plague of frogs that affected all of Mitzrayim. Moshe asks Pharaoh when to get rid of the frogs: “You tell me the time and I will make sure they are gone.” The Oznayim LaTorah explains that although Pharaoh’s entire nation was suffering, he asks for them to be removed the following day instead of immediately. His reasoning was to try to amass a marketing campaign letting every Egyptian know that the following day HE would get rid of the frogs in his quest for honor. A little bit of honor can remove one from the world!
This past Shabbos we celebrated the bar mitzvah of Ezra Nechemiah Weiner, who was born to a family whose actions are worthy of honor but whose desire to stay out of the limelight preclude them from seeking honor. Mrs. Weiner, our mena-heles, aside from educating our students and organizing the entire school program, is involved in many other aspects of chessed and our community’s growth, together with her husband. Mazel Tov to your family and to Ezra; may we all share many simchos in the future.
Parenting Part 2 – A continuation of the article on the work of Adina Soclof, a noted parenting expert, on the topic of getting your children to tap into their strengths and smarts.
In order to help children appreciate their strengths parents may need to broaden their vocabulary and understanding of what constitutes a strength. For example, there are nine different categories of intelligence. These intelligences can assist parents to identify and find activities that enhance their children’s strengths.
Visual/Spatial - Artist, Navigator, Architect: You prefer using pictures, images, and spatial understanding.
Verbal/Linguistic - Journalist, Teacher, Lawyer: You prefer using words, both in speech and writing.
Logical/Mathematical - Accountants, Computers, Engineers: You prefer using logic, reasoning and systems.
Interpersonal - Salesperson, Mental Health, Politician: You prefer to learn in groups or with other people.
Intrapersonal - Researcher, Novelist, Entrepreneur: You prefer to work alone and use self-study.
Aural/Musical/Rhythmic - Musician, Composer, DJ: You prefer using sound and music.
Naturalist - Farmer, Botanist, Environmentalist: You prefer working outdoors with animals and plants.
Existential - Philosopher, Theorist: You prefer dealing with abstract theories.
Bodily/Kinesthetic - Athlete, Firefighter, Actor: You prefer using your body, hands, and sense of touch.
Good Shabbos,
Rabbi Peretz Scheinerman
Dean