Introduction to bringing the parsha alive:

The problem:

Many parents find it difficult to interact with their children to discuss the parsha over the Shabbos meals. Nowadays with the advance of technology, concentration spans are getting shorter. This comes on top of the fact that the children already know from school the stories of the parsha. How then can parents draw in their children into discussing the parsha – not only to listen but lead them on to ask questions and actively participate with interest?

The goal:

The aim is to stimulate the children to not only listen but to actively participate in the discussions. The model for this format must be taken from the Torah. On Seder night we have a positive commandment of Sippur Yetzias Mitzrayim, the telling over of the Exodus. We are commanded to relive it to the extent as if we are now leaving Mitzrayim – חייב אדם לראות עצמו כאילו הוא יצא ממצרים. The format of the seder night is Questions and Answers. Parents are meant to do actions and say things that bring the children onto asking about it.

A possible solution:

We must talk to the children on their level. We must start talking about something that they can relate to. It must be something interesting. Children are very often interested in world events. By talking about something like this and then connecting it to the parsha will bring involvement from the children. Very often, one can take an event from the world, discuss it, and then ask the children what the natural way to look at these events is. Then you tell them how the Torah looks at it.

Different ages:

There is no one size that fits all. What we are saying here is something quite general and most likely is more directed at primary school children. As children get older –  teenagers – they have a more rebellious nature. This then splits into two types. Children who are simply not interested or receptive to listening to the parsha. Or other children that are receptive but are not really interested as they have the attitude of knowing it all.

The way to deal with the latter is simpler. What needs doing is showing them that they do not know it all and there is much more depth than the simple understanding and story of the parsha. The way to get to them is by asking a fundamental question that challenges their basic understanding until now. This engages them on a more intellectual level and treats them like adults having a meaningful conversation.

To the rebellious teenager the way forward is to touch on something from their life. Something you know that they feel strongly about and engage them in a debate by asking their opinion on the matter. Continue this by interweaving Torah themes that come out from the parsha on that subject matter.

Let me make things clear. These are just suggestions. However, i strongly recommend to try them out and experience with them. You have nothing to lose, only to gain. In any event, you will end up having a clearer knowledge of where you are holding. Please give me the feedback in the comment box below to benefit all our readers. Thanks in advance.

Some examples:

Parshas Shelach that talks about the meraglim, spies. Parents should start talking about imaging they were a spy, what would it be like. A spy requires years of training and then disguises and equipment, etc. Usually, children (especially boys) are interested at this excited and dangerous life. After getting them involved then gently throw in the contrast of what happened to the meraglim by the Jews. They were Nesiyim, leaders, with no training. They entered the land in mortal danger and how Hashem did great miracles for them – e.g. people in the land started dying so that the people were so busy burying them they would be distracted from focusing on the spies.

Parshas Korach with the earth opening up. Ask the children if they have heard in the world of earthquakes. What happens when it strikes, etc. Then contrast it to the opening of the ground with Korach. The miracles of how when the people tried running away the earth opened under them like a slide and how no other Jew got killed! This was not a natural earthquake.