Shavua Tov! This week's Torah portion is called Tzav, which means "command." We find specific instructions for Aaron and his sons. 

One special thing I noted was that Moses told Aaron and his sons not to leave the Tabernacle for a full seven days. During that time, he carefully showed them how to carry out each of the instructions YHWH had given him while he had been on the mountain.

Sometimes we give our children an instruction just one time, yet we can't figure out why don't learn it very well. Whether it's a math concept or how to start a load of laundry, we need to remember that it takes time to practice a new skill.

I've never tested this, but I wonder if it takes seven days to learn a new skill. Hmmm...

In Psalm 71:17-18, we learn that God has taught us from our youth, and even when we are old and gray, He will not forsake us. Oh, how patient and kind He is!

"I do not turn aside from your rules, for you have taught me. 
How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! 
Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. 

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." 
(Psalm 119:102-105, ESV)

This week, let's try to fill our instruction with sweet words, carefully and consistently and patiently teaching our children.

What are the things that make you proud of your children? What goals do you have for them? How will you know when you have achieved parenting success?

And most importantly, is our definition of success the same as our Creator's?

In this short video, Anne talks about our "Verse of the Week," and how it tells us the most important things our kids need to know!

I remembered the words of the Shema, and I started to think about how these verses could help give my kids an excellent education, even when life was crazy.