There is a somewhat unusual verse in this week's Torah portion,
Bamidbar
. The text says "These are the generations of Aaron and Moses," but afterwards it only lists Aaron's children.
Picking up on this apparent oversight, the Talmud suggests that the text is teaching us a very important lesson. Sanhedrin 19b says that "one who teaches the child of his neighbor, is considered by the Torah to have been parents to the child as well."
It is hard for my wife Stephanie and I believe to that our son will be celebrating his first birthday this coming week. When I think of how far he has come, and how much he has grown, I can't help but be marveled and in awe at the many individuals who have helped to raise him, from the morning minyan crowd that welcomes his not-always-smiling-and-cheerful demeanor every morning to the Silverman Preschool teachers who take impeccable care of him every day. There is also the Pack-n-Play in my office where he has all too often been watched by congregants or teens, entertaining him and keeping him safe when a pastoral or rabbinic emergency pulled me away at the last minute. Nadav is incredibly lucky to have so many wonderful people who care for him, support him, and have helped him grow.
It really does take a village, and Stephanie, Nadav, and I couldn't be luckier to be part of such a caring and supportive community.
On the eve of his first birthday, I want to thank all of you for all of your help and support in raising him. Stephanie and I invite all of you to join us this Shabbat, as we co-sponsor the Kiddush in his honor, so we can all celebrate his first birthday together.
