Honor your father and your mother
On Sunday, our son Shlomo, with his entire Yeshiva in Mevaseret, just a few miles outside of Jerusalem, took part in the city-wide welcome home for hostage Elkana Bohbot. Shlomo shared his experience on FaceTime with us. It was incredible. Watching everyone on the streets chanting “Elkana” “Elkana” — the joy, the relief, the tears — was profoundly moving.
Of course, the most impactful moment of the hostage return videos is watching them reunite with their families. It’s a rare glimpse into how deeply important family is — something we often lose sight of amid our daily busyness, fatigue, and frustrations.
We take family and community for granted far too easily. The mitzvah of honoring parents reminds us not to do that. Kavod — honor — means to treat someone or something always according to their or its true value. This applies to parents, family, and community.
Sometime this week, imagine reuniting with your family and community after two very uncertain years. Picture how you would taste the true value of your parents, family, and community. With that in mind, do one act to honor them accordingly.
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