We hear it all the time. “My grandfather would pray every morning.” Or “My grandmother lit Shabbat candles weekly without fail.”
It’s a common sentiment, that earlier generations were more authentic, more observant, more in touch with their Judaism than we are. But does that mean we are less capable of it than they were?
This week we learn how the wicked Bilaam is hired to curse the Jewish people, but when he opens his mouth, some of the most beautiful blessings emerge from him, a non-Jewish prophet. His opening words were, "From the mountaintops I see them, from the hills I behold them.”
Bilaam was describing the strength and greatness of the Jewish people, rooted in our Patriarchs and Matriarchs. Rashi points out that although we descend from spiritual giants, their legacy has not diminished over time. Spiritual inheritance doesn’t dilute, it remains just as potent in us as it was in them.
Our connection to G-d, our Jewish soul, is just as strong now as it was for our grandparents. Their strength lives on in us. It’s not just that we come from powerful people, we actually are powerful people, and so are our children.
We all want our young to succeed in school, in sports, in life. We invest in tutors, celebrate their achievements, and never miss a game, cheering them on from the sidelines with pride and love.
But do we show the same enthusiasm when it comes to their Jewish lives? Do we cheer them on so they grow into knowledgeable, engaged and proud Jews? One of life’s greatest blessings is to see our children “out-Jewish” us, to watch them become more informed, more inspired, and more connected than we ever were.
They have it within them, just like our ancestors did. But it is on us to help them bring it to the fore, by prioritizing, by showing up, and by leading with love.