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…
* * *
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.
* * *
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.
* * *
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.
* * *
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
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