Passing Faith to the Next Generation – The Greatest Inheritance from Parents

It is well known that in parenting, our behavior is the best way to educate our children. We can make the best speeches, but if our words contradict our actions, our message will not penetrate. When we strengthen ourselves in faith, we can pass this faith on to our children in the most effective way. A child who breathes faith at home, who sees his father and mother grow stronger in every challenge, believing that everything comes from Heaven and is for the good, will grow up with the inner strength for his own faith as well.

We should also spend time discussing the importance of faith, as when we do, it penetrates both our own hearts and the hearts of our children. When a situation appears negative, it's an opportunity to speak to our children about faith, emphasizing how everything is for the good (even when we can't see it), and how God loves us, wants what’s best for us, and is managing everything in the best possible way.

When a child is worried, we need to feel his emotions and listen with empathy. After acknowledging his fear or concern and expressing it in words, we can strengthen him with words of faith, by reminding him that God watches over us and will arrange everything in the best way.

By doing so, we can turn every event into an opportunity to strengthen the faith of both ourselves and our children. Even in moments of blessing, we can highlight the Divine providence that brought it about.

Indeed, we must invest in providing our children with warmth, love, and appreciation, as this is an essential condition for developing faith in God.

The Importance of Passing Faith to the Next Generation

Our forefather Abraham was chosen as the father of the nation specifically because of his dedication to teaching and guiding his family (Genesis 18:19): "For I have known him, so that he may command his children..."

His entire goal was to command his children and make God’s Name known in the world. This is the purpose of the Jew: to prepare himself and his children to receive God’s goodness and kindness.

God chose Israel, revealed His existence and Torah to them, and alongside that, commanded parents to pass on faith and reverence to their children. The Torah repeatedly instructs us to tell the next generation: "So that you may tell in the ears of your son and your son’s son..." (Exodus 10:2) "And you shall make them known to your children and your children’s children..." (Deuteronomy 4:9)

Faith – The Best Inheritance

Faith is the best inheritance we can give our children. If a home is filled with faith, it will stand strong against all storms and upheavals. We work hard and go beyond our limits to support our children, but we must remember that far more important than the physical comforts, is the faith we plant in their hearts. This inheritance brings only blessing.