Of Seeds and Saplings - Part 3

Per a recent comment, here is a discussion on where, how and why compromises affect children.

To understand this we need to elaborate a little more on the analogy of the sapling... 

A sapling is pure and fragile. Its entire future hangs in the balance of proper nurture and protection throughout its "saplinghood". It requires proper nurture and care.

Of equal importance, it must also be guarded from extreme weather and protected from any damage. With a proper commitment, it will develop into a strong, healthy tree, capable of withstanding the toughest conditions and climates - even dents and scratches.

However, if it is exposed - even just barely - to rough elements, or sustains even a tiny damage early on, the effects will be evident in its poor development, and incapability of weathering even the slightest changes in climate later on.


This is because, the ability to survive the onslaught of harsh conditions later on, comes from protecting the sapling from these very elements during the early stages of its development and growth. 

***

The Yetzer Hara understands the enormous power of children's education, and expends most of his effort to distract the adults who raise them with the lilting allure of the secular way of life and and modern society. He looks for every possible way to compromise the pure minds and hearts of children. Overtly, through a "clean" movie, a popular game, a magazine, a "kosher", non-Jewish book or toy, and more subtly, with the undisciplined attitudes of entitlement, freedom of expression, etc. that slowly chip away at the moral fiber of society in general, and at the dedication to a pure, divine Torah way of life in particular. 

The phenomenon of focusing on ensnaring children - and their caretakers - is quite evident in the world at large as well. Every industry - from entertainment, to food, to television - expends enormous amounts of money and effort to attract children and their parents into the latest fads and trends. And quite simply so; they understand that children are more impressionable, more trusting and more vulnerable than grown adults. If they get their "customers" as children, they have them for life.

We must learn from this, and match, and outdo the Yetzer Hara's efforts. 

***

What are the "scratches" and compromises that a parent or educator needs to look out for? 

The answer is: Anything that does not help bring the child closer to Hashem is a scratch. Anything that does not enhance his sensitivity to Kedusha is a compromise. Be it a computer game, children's magazine or even a seemingly innocent Lego figurine, or more subtly (yet nonetheless harmful), with the secular attitudes of entitlement, instant gratification, self-promotion, materialistic competition, lack of discipline, etc. etc.

When we are true and honest to this perspective, it is easy to determine which things are designed with the intention of bringing one closer to Hashem and which are not; it is pretty black-and-white. 

And if it isn't easy to make that determination, or when deliberating things that are in the "grey area", we need to err on the side of caution, and reach out to an objective Torah source for advice and direction. 

***

הבא לטהר מסעיין אותו - One who comes to purify himself receives Divine assistance in his endeavor. (Yoma 38b)

Hashem, who knows our intentions, and sees that we are doing all in our power to stay true to his Torah and raise our children with a pure and Divine Torah Chinuch, blesses and complements our efforts.

May we merit being able to proudly present our children to Moshiach and say:
"ראו גידולים שגידלנו" - "Behold our beautiful and Heilige children that we have raised."