The Torah tells us after the akedah (the binding of Isaac), “Abraham returned to the youths” (Genesis 22:19). This verse shows Abraham’s deep understanding of the importance of keeping contact with young people. He realized that influencing them was extremely important. He saw that Isaac, because of his youth, faith and passion, was willing to be sacrificed. Simply put, Abraham knew there was great power in the devotion of young people and that it had to be properly channeled.

People world wide have realized this truth. Young people are the ones who challenge society and fight for change. For all the views about the impulsiveness of youth, it is the young people, not their parents, who willingly sacrifice themselves for causes and on battlefields.

Religious leaders and teachers must recognize the great truth that in our young people are the energy and passion that Judaism desperately needs. Our young people are indifferent only when indifferently taught and indifferently led. Moses reinforced this lesson when he declared before Pharaoh, “We will go with our young and with our old” (Exodus 10:9). One may ask, “Why the young first?”  The answer is evident when one realizes that a child is an orphan when he has no parents. No one can teach the orphan about his family, traditions and history like a parent. A nation is an orphan when it has no children. Without children there is no growth, no change and sorrow.

It is time to return to our children so that they can return to our ancestors.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation. (Joel 1:3)

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