Write To Life     by Elana Horwitz

Joy In Parenting

Elana Horwitz

Originally published in Kollel Kaleidoscope


Chana had seven sons. At the time of the Chanukah experience, the Greek oppressors presented each of them, one by one, with the choice: Forfeit your commitment to Hashem or forfeit your life.

One by one, each proved self-confident enough to remain strong. Quoting precious Torah ideals, the youngest too refused even to pick up the ring dropped by his tormentor, for this would cause him to bow to an idol hung around the soldier’s neck. This toddler, like his brothers, met his death through unwavering connection to Torah.

Chana then jumped from a rooftop, killing herself, whereupon a heavenly voice proclaimed, “Joyful is the mother of children”.

Joyful? How does joy apply to this tragic occurrence of Chana losing her children to murder? The fact that her sons no longer remained in the world together with their mother makes her deserving of our deepest pity.

But she had accomplished all that a mother can. She had succeeded in supporting her children in becoming the greatest people they could be. Although Chana lost her sons' presence in her life, there remained an indestructible element of joy.

Parenting success can be achieved only when parents view children beyond the limits of the ego. Chana’s modeling the inner strength of Torah enabled each of her children to express himself at the highest level possible. This is the joy in her tragedy.