Do you bless your children?
Did you know that there is a specific Jewish tradition by which to bless our children?
Many families have the beautiful tradition to impart to their children a special blessing before Shabbat or on other special occasions like the High Holidays. It reads (in part) simply as follows: “Yesimcha Elokim K’Efraim V’Chimenashe” – “May G-d make you like Efraim and like Menashe.”
This blessing is paraphrased from the blessings that Jacob wished upon his grandchildren Efraim and Menashe (Joseph’s children), as recounted in this week’s Torah portion.
Who were Efraim and Menashe anyway?
But why the custom to bless our children to be like Efraim and Menashe? Why not like Abraham, Isaac and Jacob our forefathers?
Joseph’s children, Efraim and Menashe, were different than their entire extended family; they were born and bred in Egypt, a foreign country with idolatrous ways. Though surrounded by a society that did not value what they held sacred and did not uphold the morals that guided their lives, still they remained faithful to the ways of their ancestors.
This is why we bless our children that they should be like Efraim and Menashe –
We bless our children – who are raised with internet and iPods, in non-Jewish surroundings – to be like Efraim and Menashe.
Seasonal Lights vs. Jewish Pride
At this time of year, with the seasonal lights and festivities all around us, we need to provide an extra dose of Jewish warmth and pride. Join in Shabbat services; gather the family around the Shabbat table and explain to them the unique privilege that they have in being Jewish.
Celebrate being Jewish and instill Jewish pride in your family, it will last a lifetime.
May your children be like Efraim and Menashe.
Shabbat Shalom!