To Know The Spirit of Each One (Pinchas)

In this week’s parsha Moshe asks G-d to appoint a leader to succeed him. The defining characteristic of that leader is that he, like G-d himself, will be able relate to the uniqueness of each individual.

As parents, we share a similar role. We strive to understand and guide each child in his/her uniqueness. This can be more challenging for us than other leadership roles where there is not the same closeness. This closeness can lead us to violate their separateness and project ourselves on to them.

To remain a parent means to love, and within that love, create the space that nurtures the child in the child’s way.