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In parshas Vayechi, we read about Yaakov's last words to his children and Yosef's last words to his brothers. In the Haftora we read of King David's last words of advice and instruction to his son Shlomo.
From both the parsha and the haftorah we see the importance of advising our children before the day comes.
The thing is, that we don't know when that day will come. As for me, Hashem has chosen to give me ALS, and since the diagnosis, the day has been staring me in the face. My wife Dina, and good friends whose parents have passed on, have been trying to impress upon me, the importance of writing a living will. At first, I was being stubborn, not wanting to consider the suggestion that the day might come. But then, a few of my friends suddenly passed, which got me thinking, that it is probably a good idea for everyone to do, even those that are healthy.
Now that I have started, it has become so meaningful to me, as it has given me a clarity of what I really want, for my family in general, and for my wife and each of my children specifically. I don't plan to wait for them to find out, when my time comes. As soon as I am done, I will share it with them, so that they know how I feel about them, what I think they are capable of, and what I wish for them.
A father's and mother's advice, is so powerful and cherished by their children. Even if they ignore it now, eventually it will have a tremendous impact.
My suggestion to every parent, and anyone who has been a teacher or mentor to someone they truly care about. Start the process of writing a living will, and you will find it meaningful, it will give you clarity and your family will be grateful that you did it.
May we be a guiding light to our families and merit Hashem's blessing, to see them turn better than we could have imagined. May they be a nachas to Hashem, to the Jewish people, and especially to us.
All Vayechi Articles
In parshas Vayechi, we read about Yaakov's last words to his children and Yosef's last words to his brothers. In the Haftora we read of King David's last words of advice and instruction to his son Shlomo.
From both the parsha and the haftorah we see the importance of advising our children before the day comes.
The thing is, that we don't know when that day will come. As for me, Hashem has chosen to give me ALS, and since the diagnosis, the day has been staring me in the face. My wife Dina, and good friends whose parents have passed on, have been trying to impress upon me, the importance of writing a living will. At first, I was being stubborn, not wanting to consider the suggestion that the day might come. But then, a few of my friends suddenly passed, which got me thinking, that it is probably a good idea for everyone to do, even those that are healthy.
Now that I have started, it has become so meaningful to me, as it has given me a clarity of what I really want, for my family in general, and for my wife and each of my children specifically. I don't plan to wait for them to find out, when my time comes. As soon as I am done, I will share it with them, so that they know how I feel about them, what I think they are capable of, and what I wish for them.
A father's and mother's advice, is so powerful and cherished by their children. Even if they ignore it now, eventually it will have a tremendous impact.
My suggestion to every parent, and anyone who has been a teacher or mentor to someone they truly care about. Start the process of writing a living will, and you will find it meaningful, it will give you clarity and your family will be grateful that you did it.
May we be a guiding light to our families and merit Hashem's blessing, to see them turn better than we could have imagined. May they be a nachas to Hashem, to the Jewish people, and especially to us.
Good Voch Rav Yitzi!
ReplyDelete3 in one shot??? G-d Bless you!!!
Your advice is priceless and will be"h put it into action.
Rav Yitzi you will out live many. You will outlive many...
All the best!
Keep it up praying for you from malta.
ReplyDeleteRav Yitzi, how are you feeling?
ReplyDeleteWe haven't heard from you this Shabbat.
Rav Yitzi,
ReplyDeleteBeen following your "story," ever since your song was compiled by all the beautiful voices and brought to video. I love Dina's blog, she writes with such a different flare, and learn so much from your Parshas!
You're an inspiration to me, Thank You for making the big effort it takes to put thought to "computer." My hope is to make Aliyah soon, and hear that Big Shofar!!!!