Below is the OCR text representation for this newspapers page.

Mb M 'BiiOrtilw Torah thoughts G-d wants heart Kahbi Schneerson I his week’s Sidra, Vo-eschanan, contains the verses of Sh'ma which has become an integral part of our daily prayers. The verses of Sh’ma which discuss love of G-d are these: "And you shall love the L-rd your G-d with all your heart and with all your soul and with all vour might. And these words, which I command you this day, shall he upon your heart; and you shall teach them diligently to your chil dren... etc. A ndyou shall hind them for a sign upon vour hand, and they shall he as Tefillin between your eves, and you shall write them upon the door-posts of your house and upon vour gates." Have you ever heard the expres sion “I have a good Jewish heart,” of someone piously explaining his lack of practical observance by saying that Judaism means “love G-d with all your heart and soul and might” and that “G-d wants the heart”? Those who declare that their feelings about Judaism arc all that matter are, first of all, ignor ing a childishly simple piece of logic namely that if you love someone, you do what he asks of you; if you claim to love G-d you must do what he asks of you. Secondly, these people are dis torting the meaning of the passages they quote. The command “Love your G-d” in the daily prayer— Sh’ma is followed immediately by insistence on the concrete precepts of “bind them on your arm, and inscribe them on your door” and “teach them carefully to your chil dren,” so that they too will fulfill “love your G-d.” These are parents who unfortu nately did not have an authentic Jewish upbringing perhaps for causes beyond their control, per haps because their education was faulty, perhaps they could not over come personal obstacles. Hence, their “love of G-d” might be some what faulty. Nevertheless, they are determined to give their children what they were themselves de nied—and one test of the earnest ness of one’s love of G-d is the direction in which he leads his children. Giving a check to a Yeshiva, supporting a synagogue or other worthy institution, is a fine start. But the question remains: What is he doing with his own children? The father who rears his children to “bind” (the tefillin) and “in scribe” (the mezuza), to begin the day with the proclamation of Sh’ma Yisroel and to end the day with that call, that father has carried out G-d’s wish. He loves G-d with all his heart and soul and might. Being content with having merely cordial feelings about Judaism; for “G-d wants the heart,” is grossly inade quate. The parent who fulfills the mitzva of “leach your children" properly, receives the most fabu lous of rewards, a second genera tion faithful to its Jewish heritage. As for those who neglect this mitzva, heartbreak and bitter disappoint ment is the crop they reap. We are all witness to the tragic consequen ces of neglecting this mitzva. There is an unfortunate attitude prevalent today that parents should not interfere in the affairs of their children, and should not express an opinion to them. At the most children might be informed, re spectfully, as to what they, the par ents, think is right. However, in a democratic country, children must grow up as they please! This mis taken attitude has been dignified by becoming an integral part of a pedagogical system, a philosophy of education. Scarcely a voice is raised on the part of parents to protest this tragic error. The silence of elders in the face of their own children’s complete debasement, their acquiescence in their children’s literal self-de struction is, indeed, a tragic phe nomenon. The opinion of surrender, “after all what can you do with the younger generation” is a farce. The young really want to hear the truth. They want to be told—but they seek words that come from the heart... . Y Over 300 Nationally Advertised Lines of Furniture. Carpeting and Accessories at up to 0 OFF RETAIL PRICES 'cars g m in bona i Featuring The Largest Selection Available in Solid Brass & Iron Beds *7\llnltuK2, Dnc. 6329 Roswell Rd. at Marshall's Plaza Shopping Center HOURS 10-6 WEEKDAYS FRIDAY 10 9. SATURDAY 10-6 252-3434 MORRIS & MANNING INSURANCE, INC. Insurance Agents and Brokers is pleased to announce that MERTON LEVIN is now associated with the firm 1252 West Peachtree Street, Atlanta, Georgia 30309 (404)872-1194 Semi-Annual Half-Price Sale Die Sampler Open Mon.-Sat. 10-6 2105 N. DECATUR RD. I at Clairmont) 325-4147 VISUAL CONCEPTS ATLANTA Commerical/ Residential Interior Design RANDOLPH ANGEL MICHAELG. HICKMAN (404) 587-6288 I | ■ m w m ■ Sr,I MEMBERS’- IVe would like to inuite you to be our guests at our SHABBAT FAMILY DINNER Friday, September 5,1986 6:15 p.m. No charge for prospective members Reservations must be made for dinner no later than August 27, by calling 257 0537. Seating is limited. B’nai Torah is a Full Service Traditional Synagogue. Bring your family to meet ours—Rabbi Juda Mintz, Cantor Edgar Neiss, Board Members & the rest of the B’nai Torah Family and enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by our own Sisterhood. Services begin at 6:15, followed immediately by dinner. <5hmrelation 700 Mount Vernon Highway Sandy Springs PAGE 11 THE SOUTHERN ISRAELITE August 15, 1986