“Aharon will assemble it [the menorah] from evening to morning …” (Vayikra 24:3)

From Aharon HaKohein we learn the obligation to safeguard our children. In his commentary on the pasuk “Aharon will assemble it from evening to morning” the Baal HaTurim compares these words to a similar pasuk in Parshas Tetzaveh: “Aharon and his sons will assemble it.” Why does the pasuk in our parshah only refer to Aharon whereas the pasuk in Tetzaveh mentions his sons as well? His answer is astounding:

“After the death of Nadav and Avihu Aharon did not allow his other sons to enter the heichal alone; rather he would accompany them.”

How are we to interpret his lofty actions? These were no ordinary youths — they were the sons of Aharon HaKohein exalted tzaddikim in their own right — yet Aharon still saw fit to keep them close to him and forbid them from performing Hashem’s service on their own.

We realize that even children performing avodas hakodesh within the confines of the holiest place on earth require supervision; their father must check seven times over if they are indeed where they should be. He must be aware of what his sons are doing even in the arba amos of the beis medrash.

This should be our level of vigilance even for children who intend to dwell in the holy of holies. How then can we let our children run free with friends of questionable caliber? Parents who tolerate such behavior will eventually find themselves in a situation from which there is no return. (Rav Yitzchak Zilberstein Tuvcha Yabi’u) 

They lived inParis.

A charming apartment verdant garden two cars and a successful business.

Their comfortable lives could have continued indefinitely if not for their passionate desire to leave their Muslim and Christian neighbors and live in Eretz Yisrael. To raise children in an atmosphere of Torah mitzvos and kedushah.

So they moved.

It wasn’t easy. But when they looked at their G-d-fearing neighbors and experienced Shabbos in their observant neighborhood they knew it was worth it.

Years passed and their children grew and flourished. But it was those children — who’d effortlessly learned Hebrew and breathed pureJerusalemair from the start — who strayed from the path.

“Don’t you understand?” she says eyes filled with pain. “In Francewe knew our limits — they’re non-Jews and we are Jews. They’re outside and we’re inside. After school our kids were always at home. That was the only way of life we knew. There was no such thing as playing with neighbors in the yard lobby or park. I was always with them.

“But here …” Her voice falters. “Here their friends are all Jews. Our kids could play outside to their hearts’ content. We were so naïve! When we realized what was happening it was too late.”

If these parents owned a priceless treasure would they abandon it in their weariness?! And if this is our approach to money entirely worthless in comparison to the inherent value of a Jewish child how much more effort are we expected to invest in the most cherished possession with which Hashem has entrusted us?! (ibid.)

What if a child needs to get out and let off some steam? What about playing with friends or going to yeshivah or camp?

Even then don’t send him alone. If you can’t accompany him physically be there with him in spirit. We must be alert ask questions and read between the lines of our child’s words expressions and body language. There’s no need to suffocate kids or keep them confined but we must be on our guard!

Do I know who my son chats with when he bikes? Who’s on my daughter’s machanayim team? Am I vigilant about the books they borrow and their friends’ language?

A child will not rebel if we tell him calmly and respectfully that so-and-so isn’t the right friend for him that that social circle isn’t for us or that we want their teacher’s phone number. On the contrary; a child who appreciates how much we care about him and that we want the best for him spiritually and personally is a fortunate child indeed. He’s received the greatest gift of all — the gift of chinuch.