This week in particular we are humbled and grateful for all that we have been given by HaKadosh Baruch Hu. Our life has taught us to not take things for granted. We have spoken of the glory of observing the snowflakes falling outside our windows, the magnificence of the colors of the leaves in autumn and the intensity with which the birds struggle to reach their turn in pecking at the bird feeder on our back deck.
Suddenly this week we have been doubly blessed with the occasion of the bris of our ninth great-grandchild (wow) and the bar mitzvah of our grandson Yitzchak Hagler two days later.
What more can we ask for in life? The way that nature blesses us is something we have little control over. However, in watching the wonderment of our family in how they interact with each other and show concern for each other, we feel as though we can never want or expect anything more wonderful than this. That everyone makes the effort from near and far to be a part of a family simcha is not always the easiest thing to do. Rumor has it that our youngest great-grandson, who will be 10 days old on Shabbat, will be accompanying his parents and two big brothers in joining us this weekend. Teaching children the importance of family really begins at a young age in our family!
We see the examples being set by our own children in teaching their children the relevance of honoring grandparents by them rising from their seats every time we enter a room and by entwining in them the thread of knowledge that certain things in life are more important than others. Hearing the sounds of shovels outside our windows on a snowy night and finding grandchildren working away to make sure we do not have to deal with this back-breaking job is hard to describe. They come automatically, without being told, concerned that we should not have to do it ourselves.
Certainly, somewhere along the line, parents are teaching their children what the right thing is to do. Impressive is that never is there a thought of receiving in return for doing a good deed for another. They do know, however, that after shoveling away there is usually hot chocolate waiting for them with marshmallows floating on top. We discussed the other day how excited all of the children were every time they came to visit us in Montreal, because inevitably they knew that their zaidie would take them to the “dollar store.” Off they went, usually before Shabbat, and each was allowed to pick two things. They would arrive home each holding a bag with two items in it and so much excitement and joy—and all for $2. Today, similar excitement is expressed as soon as we return from Montreal and bring them their favorite knishes and eggrolls that are made nowhere else. Again, happiness and gratefulness.
All of this is a result of how these children are being raised and who their parents are. We can all agree that when our children marry we generally have no idea of who the mate they have chosen is. In today’s world, so much checking is done to make sure that the perfect partner is chosen for our children. We still feel that a shidduch is a gamble and all of the checking in the world in most cases means nothing. We knew that the young men whom our daughters chose to be their partners seemed nice. Their families seemed reputable. None of us, in fact, really know.
Somehow, once again, Hashem blessed us with outstanding young men who learned to grow and love our daughters as they did toward them. They shared common values, respected each other and together committed to rearing their children as a team with love and devotion to the family unit. Many things in life are unexpected. There are illnesses, career challenges, situations with specially challenged children, and none of these glitches were discussed among two young people setting off on the path to spend their lives together. Bumps in the road are usually not considered glamorous to discuss and never is it really possible to know what they might be.
Now, as we approach the coming Shabbat at which time our entire clan will be together, we can only be filled with gratitude and appreciation. Our children—who are excited to be together with each other and anxious to do whatever they can for the baalei simcha. Our grandchildren—who in many cases are now parents themselves, who have bonded in such a way that sisters-in-law are like sisters. Younger cousins, who watch out for each other, are enamored with the fact that they are now old enough to care for the babies who have been entering our family for the past five years.
Is there anything in the entire world we would want to have differently?
To Malkie and Baruch and Dena and Moshe—we are so proud of the way you have become one unit and the way in which you are raising your children.
To Akiva and Leslie—we are grateful that you have bonded and found each other.
To Naama—we are shouting to the world that you have a sister who insisted that you had to attend Yitzchak’s bar mitzvah. Nowhere do we know of other siblings who would put so much emphasis on the fact that our family is totally whole when Naama is present.
To Chavie and Chaim—we actually had no idea that one day the name Chaim Hagler would be synonymous with someone who is a star in Jewish education in the United States.
Truthfully, it would not have meant anything to us at all until we saw the way the two of you blended your skills of showing constant concern, reverence and honor to so many. We as your parents are indeed very proud. Yitzchak, how fortunate you are to have grown up in this special home with parents who have devoted themselves to their family and at the same time have been role models for the entire community.
We are proud and grateful that these are all of our children. They are our diamonds. Mazal tov to everyone in the family, and many thanks for everything you have given us.
By Rabbi Mordechai and Nina Glick
Rabbi Mordechai and Nina Glick are living in Bergenfield after many years of service to the Montreal Jewish community. Rabbi Glick was the Rav of Congregation Ahavat Yisroel as well as a practicing clinical psychologist in private practice. He also taught at at Champlain Regional College. The Glicks were frequent speakers at the OU Marriage Retreats. Nina coordinated all Yachad activities in Montreal and was a co/founder of Maison Shalom, a group home for special needs young adults. They can be reached at [email protected].
