Jewish Thought of the Week (07/10/2026)

This month we mark Jewish Education Awareness Month, reminding us of one of Judaism's highest priorities. (See the end of this email for a special Jewish Education Month offer.)

We are all jugglers, trying to make room in our lives for everything that matters. But it is not enough that every priority is present. The order we assign to them is just as important. 

Some classic examples how vital Jewish education are:

1) Before we even left Egypt, G-d commanded us, "Tell your son on that day..." about the miracles of the Exodus. The story of our people is meant to be passed from parent to child.

2) The Sages teach that G-d gave the Torah only after the Jewish people presented their children as its guarantors.

3) This priority is reflected even in the holiest place on earth. Wherever a Jew is, we pray facing Jerusalem. In Jerusalem we face the Holy Temple. In the Holy Temple we face the Holy of Holies. There, atop the Holy Ark, stood two golden figures with the faces of children.

4) At the very place where Heaven and Earth meet, the Torah reminds us what should always be at the center of our attention: our children.

The Torah makes this priority unmistakable. Although building the Holy Temple is one of the greatest commandments, we do not interrupt a child's Torah study even to build it.

The message : success is meaningful only if it does not come at the expense of the next generation.

This week's double Torah portion, Matot-Masei, illustrates the same lesson.

The tribes of Gad and Reuven, blessed with abundant livestock, asked to settle east of the Jordan where the grazing land was ideal. They told Moses they would first build pens for their flocks and then cities for their families before helping the other tribes conquer the Land.

Moses corrected them: "Build cities for your children and pens for your flocks." Rashi explains that they had reversed the proper order, putting their possessions before their children.

This is a mistake that can happen easily. When people are focused on building stability and securing their future, it is natural to become preoccupied with material needs. Moses, as their leader, reminds them to maintain the correct priorities: first ensure the well-being of your children, and only afterward attend to your possessions.

A beautiful story about the Rebbe brings this lesson to life.

Rabbi Shmaryahu Gurary (the Rashag), who oversaw the worldwide Lubavitch yeshivah network, was traveling to South America to raise funds. Since he had no contacts there, his cousin, the successful businessman Rabbi Zalman Gurary, agreed to accompany him—but only if Rashag arranged a private audience with the Rebbe.

During the meeting, Rabbi Zalman began asking for a blessing regarding a delayed shipment that was costing him a fortune.

The Rebbe gently interrupted him.

"You're known as a successful businessman," the Rebbe said. "I expected your first request to be a blessing that your children and grandchildren bring you true Jewish pride and joy."

Rabbi Zalman immediately replied, "That is what I truly want."

The Rebbe gave him that blessing.

We all have many responsibilities to juggle. The Torah does not ask us to neglect them. It asks us to keep them in the proper order.

Our greatest investment is never our possessions or accomplishments. It is our children—and the generations that follow.

Shabbat Shalom!

Good Shabbos!

P.S. In honor of Jewish Education Awareness Month, we're offering 10% off through July 31 for Bet Club (ages 3–4), JKids Hebrew School (ages 5–10), and Bar/Bat Mitzvah Club (ages 11–12).

There is no greater investment than investing in our children. We'd love to partner with your family.