Honor your father and your mot
The Vilna Gaon makes a striking connection. The verse in the Shema, “These words which I command you today shall be on your heart,” corresponds to the Diber of honoring parents.
Why?
Because the deepest way to honor our parents (and/or parent figures) is to be passionate (heart) about our mission to bring God’s light into the world (These words refer to the words of the covenant – the Aseret Hadibrot and the Torah they encapsulate).
Parents (and/or parent figures) don’t just give life; they are on a mission. To be passionate about what they are passionate about is to say: What matters to you matters so much that I choose to carry it forward. Continuing the work a parent (and/or parent figure) began is the highest form of honor—it declares that their values were not temporary, but eternal.
One time this week, passionately enact one of the Aseret principles, do a Mitzvah, learn some Torah in the name of continuing the Jewish mission and honoring your parents (and/or parent-figures).
Set your intention for the day by reciting The Aseret Affirmation: Ten for Ten first thing in the morning.
Wishing you safety and strength,
Nitzan Bergman