ROCKS AND KIDS: Hit them or talk to them?

The story is told of a farmer who swore that he never had to use force to get his animals to work. On occasion, he admitted, he might have to hit a mule over the head with a 2x4 “just to get their attention”. Then, however, he’d quietly tell them what to do, and they’d listen…

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Not long after leaving Egypt, the people complained that there was no water to drink. G-d told Moshe to take his staff and strike the rock. Water would come forth, and the people would drink (Shemos 17:6).

Some 40 years later, after Miriam’s passing, the water stops flowing and, again, the people complained. This time, however, G-d told Moshe to take his staff and talk to the rock. Once again, water would come forth, and the people would drink (Bamidbar 20:8).

Classic and contemporary commentaries offer many layers of meaning in G-d's varying instructions. Whatever the explanation, my point is that the objective was the same - providing the people with water to drink. The method of achieving it was different.

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In this week's Torah portion, Yisro, we learn of Moshe sitting alone from morning to night, himself ministering to all the people. To ease the burden (for both Moshe and the people), Yisro recommended creating a judicial system.

Moshe is open to the suggestion, and Yisro understands that this could only happen if G-d agrees (Shemos 18:23).

The objective was the same - providing answers and guidance to the people. The method of achieving would be different.

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As parents and educators, we should think about these episodes.

It is because our goals in raising our children remain the same, rooted in a commitment to G-d and his Torah, that the methods we employ to reach those goals must always be reconsidered.

Think about it.

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Have a wonderful Shabbos.

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