What Our Children Learn From the Moments That Matter Most - Vayigash

One of the most emotional moments in the Torah is Yaakov Avinu’s reunion with Yosef after more than twenty years apart. While Yosef cries on his father’s shoulders, Chazal teach that Yaakov was doing something unexpected — reciting Shema. Why would Yaakov choose that moment to turn to Hashem? In this Parenting in the Parsha on Vayigash, we explore a powerful idea from the Maharal: that the righteous don’t only turn to Hashem in moments of pain, but especially in moments of joy, relief, and deep emotion. We connect this timeless Torah insight to a modern, unforgettable scene — a father reunited with his son after years of captivity — and reflect on what our children learn from how we process life’s most meaningful moments. This video offers practical guidance for both lower school and middle school parents on how simple, authentic “God-talk” can shape a child’s relationship with Judaism — not through lectures, but through lived experience.