Mothers!
Dear Friends
Where would we be without mothers? The answer is simple: nowhere! It is only fitting, therefore, that we take at least one day out of the year to give special thanks to all the mothers in our lives.
The power of a mother has always been recognized in Jewish culture. It goes right back to our people's beginnings, to the first Jewish mother. G‑d instructed Abraham in no uncertain terms: "Whatever Sarah says you should follow" (Genesis 21).
At Sinai (the anniversary of which we will celebrate on Wednesday) G‑d instructed Moses to approach the women first with the Torah, and then afterwards to approach the men. G‑d knows: the woman sets the tone in the home.
Judaism counts on the influence of the mother!
To all you moms out there, we salute you - don't underestimate your influence and the path your children will take. Your family's future is really up to you.
So as we take the time to wish you all a Happy Mother’s Day, we should all spend a few moments thinking about this special day and all the reasons for honoring our special women.
I am thinking about my mother and her devotion to us as children, and find I am extremely grateful and appreciative of her now more than ever. So to my dear mother, THANK YOU! But for me it is even more special since it is Ettie's Jewish birthday today. For the past decade we have nurtured our children and it amazes me and it truly inspires me to witness the devotion, commitment, and love that a mother brings. I am eternally grateful to Hashem for giving birth to such a unique woman with whom I am privileged to have an incredible partnership and call my wife, who is the dear mother of our four children. This is the time to truly appreciate all the blessings that a mother brings every day of the year — the warmth the care, and all the while making it look so easy.
In addition, yesterday was truly an amazing day. It was the Teachers Appreciation Brunch, where the teachers in all areas of the school gathered for lunch while the parents were watching the children. Everyone shared the highlights of the school year and literally there was not a dry eye in the room as the teachers told of their love for the children, and one saw how they truly care for each child as if it were their own. The teachers here at the preschool make it a point to be like moms. What an amazing thing to see! Truly Ettie's birthday gained even more significance as a special day since it brought so much incredible good to the community.
Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful women among us, and thank you for all you do every day!
Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom!
