“A nd he called to Moshe.” (Vayikra 1:1) 

The midrash (Eichah Alef) tells us that the small alef in the word vayikra comes to show us how precious small children are in the eyes of Hashem.

The letter alef comes from the lashon of “Aalefcha— I will teach you.” (Iyov 33:33)

When the Sanhedrin went into galus the Shechinah did not go with them. When the mishmaros went into exile the Shechinah did not. But when the children went into galus the Shechinah went into galus with them as it is written (Eichah 1:5–6): “Her young children went into captivity before the enemy and Tzion lost all her splendor.”

We see that the Shechinah’s presence is dependent on the tinokos shel beis rabban. The zechus of Torah emanating from their pure mouths protects Klal Yisrael. (Rav Yosef Tzvi Salant Be’er Yosef)

I divide my life into two: B.C. and A.C. — Before children and after.

It would’ve been nice if along with kallah classes they had mandatory mommy classes ones that included a lot more than breathing methods. Personally I use Lamaze a lot more as my kids get older than I did when they were born.

“No ball playing in the—” Smash! Breathe Faigy breathe.

However despite lack of formal training I’m a quick study on site. My kids are always in awe of my vast knowledge and supernatural skills.

“Stick out your tongue so I can see if you’re telling the truth. Hmm.” I examined Yitzi closely. “I think that Lego really did belong to Shmuel. Why did you break it?”

He stared cross-eyed at his tongue trying to read the secrets hidden in its depths. “How did you know that?”

“I learned it in Mommy School. When you get to be a parent you’ll understand.”

He nodded sagely. “Mommies have ruach hakodesh even rebbi said. It’s called binah yeseirah.”

I’m glad I gave that rebbi a nice Purim package this year.

In Shemos (25:22) Hashem says: “I will speak to you from between the two Keruvim that are on the Aron.”

The gemara in Succah (5b) says that kruv means a child because in Bavel they called children ruvya.

Hashem enclosed His Shechinah in the small space between the Keruvim as it’s in the merit of the children that He came from the Heavenly spheres to live among them and teach them Torah. (ibid.)

Despite my wisdom my kids never fail to amaze me with their own:

“Zeidy is very happy in Shamayim. It’s only us down here who are sad cuz we miss him.”

“When mommies have new babies it makes them very tired. But it’s worth it right Mommy?”

“It’s like brushing teeth ” my son pointed out as I grumbled about the never-ending supper dishes. “It’s one of those things you have to do every night even if you don’t want to.”

“Why does everything that tastes good make my teeth fall out?”

“It’s easier to say I’m sorry than to say I forgive you.”

Brilliance from babes.

Hashem came to teach Yisrael Torah in the merit of the small alef — the children. The midrash in Tehillim tells us that before giving the Torah to Bnei Yisrael Hashem asked them “Who will be the guarantor that you will follow the Torah?

Yisrael answered “The Avos.”

Hashem replied “The Avos need to be responsible for themselves.”

Yisrael replied “The children.”

“Hashem asked the children “Will you be responsible for your parents keeping the Torah?” They replied yes.

Only then did Hashem give the Torah to Yisrael as it says in Tehillim (8:3): “From the mouth of babes you have established strengths.” (ibid.)

Recently my son had a Chumash party. I showed up tired after a long day not really in the mood to sit for hours watching a bunch of five-year-olds squirm. I’d been through Chumash parties before and little changes from year to year.

I watched the rebbi call up my son and hand him his Chumash; my son leaned down to kiss its leather cover. Something moved inside of me. This precious yingele who leaves his socks on the floor and makes midnight forages into my bed he’s got it right. His pure simchah in receiving this most precious of gifts was reflected in that reverent kiss. I felt small. Small enough to realize that many of life’s lessons can be learned from Kids Academy. (Originally featured in Mishpacha Issue 654)