Paths of Faith: The Importance of Unconditional Child Appreciation

To succeed in education, it is essential to appreciate the child from within without any conditions. Do not only see talent and external attributes but also recognize the profound inner self, who they truly are and what they can become. It is important to show children the goodness within each of them, remembering the divine image in them and the importance of each one – a child of Hashem, this is their true value unconditionally.

Children must feel that no matter what talents they possess or their success in learning, regardless of anything – we will always love and appreciate them. Coming from this place of unconditional love and belief, they will be unable to betray the values instilled in them, the commandments, and the Creator. A child who has distanced themselves, if they feel unconditionally loved, they will return.

This is how Hashem behaves with the people of Israel, saying: regardless, they are My children – Hashem loves us as His children in every situation. Hashem waits for us to repent, but His love remains intact in every situation.

In the Talmud, Kiddushin (36a) there is a dispute between Rabbi Judah and Rabbi Meir. Rabbi Judah says: "You are the children of Hashem your God, when you behave as children, you are called children; when you do not behave as children, you are not called children" – only when the people of Israel behave properly are they called children of Hashem, but Rabbi Meir believes: "Regardless, you are called children." (Sifrei Devarim Re'eh command) – In every state a Jew is in, they still remain a child of Hashem. Usually, when Rabbi Judah and Rabbi Meir disagree, the decision follows Rabbi Judah, but in this dispute, the decision is according to Rabbi Meir, ruling that "Regardless, you are called children." A Jew in every situation remains a beloved son of their Father in heaven!

It is said by the righteous that we do not just call 'Eloka D'Meir Aneni' – why specifically mention Rabbi Meir? Because sometimes when we turn in prayer to Hashem and are not so worthy, we mention Rabbi Meir – and recall the rationale set by his judgment that "Regardless, you are called children," thereby asking Hashem that even if we are unworthy, He may answer us as a father to a son and grant us our wishes. (Hagaon R' Yaakov Sha'altiel Ninyo, "Emet Le'Yaakov" section R' letter 74)

Thus should we act in the way of Hashem, that even if the child has distanced or does not walk exactly on the path we wanted, they still remain a dear and beloved child, which is what keeps them close.

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