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Question:
Dear Slovie,
My husband I have both read your book. Firstly, thank you for writing such a thoughtful, Torah-based approach to parenting that can reach so many people around the world.
We are a dati leumi couple in our 30's with a beautiful 9 month old girl, Tzofiah. We recently spent shabbat in the home of a chassidic family, and I noticed that they were washing netilat yadayim with their 12 month old, as well as saying shema and morning brochot with him. I understand the importance of chinuch early on but I was wondering if we're making a mistake by not already introducing these rituals and tefilot to our baby? Should I be washing her hands in the morning already??? Should I be saying shema with her at night??? Brochot in the morning???
Thank you,
-R
Answer:
Dear R.,
It is wonderful to hear from you-a parent who is so spiritually attuned to the needs of your child. Yes, it is most important to start chinuch-Jewish education, from a young age. In my book I describe holding my son for the very first time and singing Modeh Ani with him. I have done the same with all my children and grandchildren. Shema is their nightime lullaby. This is the legacy for you to transmit and you should begin from the start. Researchers have found that newborn's heartbeats respond to their mother's voice; meaning that they already hear in utero. And our greatest sages were taken to yeshivas and synagogues in thier carriages as infants-because their parents knew what research has come to prove. Babies absorb. They hear, see, and respond. So I would encourage you to begin tonight with your baby's Shema, along with the melodies of different prayers like "Hamalach hagoel" and "Beshem Hashem" -just as i write about in my book.
best wishes for mazel and blessings,
slovie
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