I often complain about the distance between our home and Noah's school (also my work). Wouldnt it be easier if it were just down the street? Sure it would save us some driving time, but then I would miss out on moments like this:
On our drive to school this morning Noah noticed it was rainy, foggy, AND cloudy outside...he was right! "But thats too many things", he said "why does God make SO many things?" WAIT...God? Noah is not even 3 years old yet, and he is thinking about God and the choices God makes? I took advantage of this moment and explained to him that God is good, and God brings rain, fog and clouds for good reasons (i.e. the plants are thirsty so God gives them a drink).
He thought about that for a second and responded with "So, when God is done in the clouds he comes back down?". I said that God is everywhere. Noah said "Oh, like the song...God is Everywhere and God is One, Adonei Echad." AMAZING, right? However, Noah is only a little boy and thought about that concept..."But Mommy, I dont see God." So, I did my best to explain to him that although we cant see God, he is with us everywhere we go.
With about 10 minutes left to our drive, I took further advantage of this teaching moment. I said "Noah, God gave us lots of things...not just clouds, and rain and fog...God also gave all the Jewish people the Torah". Now, in the past when I talked to Noah about being Jewish his response would be"Im not Jewish, Im Noah!". Today, his response was "Im not big enough to be Jewish". I asked him if he is kind to his friends...he said yes. I asked him if he was nice to his Mommy and Daddy..he said yes. "Well Noah, then you ARE big enough to be Jewish. Being Jewish means you are kind to other people, make good choices, and do your very best every day.
Noah ended our conversation by saying "Oh, then I am big enough....and I am Jewish!" What an amazing morning!!!
I want to end this post with a letter to Noah:
Dear Noah,
I pray that you continue to grow and learn everyday! You are an amazing boy with a beautiful heart. I pray that your curiousity about God and Judaism continues to spark interest and questions in your life. Thank you for reminding me how amazing God is, not only in his creations, but most of all in YOU!
I love you,
Mommy
:o Grammy loves this story and knows although Noah is going to be 3 on November 8th he is wise beyond his years. Noah you are an inspiration to all of us and I love you very much. Thank you god for giving us Noah!
ReplyDeleteYour Grammy Janet ;)
Oh yeah and god thank you for letting Noah be so lucky to have such a good mommy and daddy!
ReplyDeleteLove Grammy
Wow, that was beautiful. Leora, you could not have said it more perfect.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great little (I mean big) Noah Jew. I think Noah should ask G-d to send some rain to Southern California. We are only allowed to water our lawns on Monday and Thursday cuz we do not have enough water. We do not want too much rain because we had many forest fires this summer and too much rain will cause mud slides. Since Noah has direct contact with G-d, he should be able to get this done for us.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Tell Noah that his birthday present is being mailed very soon.
From Unsickle Lou
Wow! what an inspiring story.... i love you leora and adam, and i am glad that noah is being brought up right! he is incredible and wise...he knows and believes things that most 2 year old dont! I love you noah, and i hope u remember ..Shema Yisroel hashem elohaynu hashem Echad!
ReplyDeleteLeora please continue to post these stories....very inspiring and so u know...im printing this one out and posting it on my cork board. Love you all...be well.