Family First Lecture Explores Raising Healthy Children Through Torah Values
The 5th Annual Family First Lecture on February 9th at Ner Tamid Synagogue, was a heartfelt tribute to the enduring legacy of Dr. Aviva Weisboard, whose spirit continues to inspire our community through her warmth, courage, and deep belief in the potential of every individual. Throughout the evening, speakers reflected on the lasting “secondhand” and even “thirdhand” effects of her kindness—how simply being near her made others feel valued, uplifted, and capable of greatness.
The program was guided by Rabbi Aaron Levitt, Executive Director of Jewish Educational Services, who moderated a rich and deeply human discussion with three distinguished panelists: Rabbi Yisroel Motzen, spiritual leader of Ner Tamid; Dr. Zipora Schorr, renowned educator and longtime principal and director of education at Beth Tfiloh; and Dr. Tammy Mintz, clinical psychologist specializing in children and adolescents. Together they explored what it means to raise emotionally healthy, resilient Jewish children in today’s complicated world.
A shared message resonated throughout the conversation: children flourish when the adults who love them lead with steadiness, warmth, confidence, and faith in their potential. Dr. Schorr highlighted the essential need for consistency, predictability, and stability, emphasizing that a calm, joyful home becomes a child’s anchor. She spoke about simcha not as an abstract concept but as a felt presence—something children sense immediately in the emotional climate of their home.
Dr. Mintz focused on resilience as a core Jewish value, reminding parents that growth does not happen in the absence of challenge but through it. When adults rush to smooth every obstacle, she explained, children lose the opportunity to learn that they can endure struggle and emerge stronger. Allowing them appropriate space to stumble builds confidence and emotional strength.
Rabbi Motzen reflected on the gift of agency—teaching children that their voice matters, that they can navigate the world with integrity, and that they are partners in their own growth. He emphasized that authentic Jewish life requires both structure and love, both boundaries and warmth. Children internalize not what we say but who we are; our joy, compassion, humility, and reverence for Torah become their most powerful lessons.
The panelists also addressed the vital partnership between home and school, especially when a child faces academic, social, or emotional challenges. They urged parents and educators to assume goodwill, listen generously, communicate openly, and work from a shared foundation of respect. When adults align, children feel safe and supported; when they conflict, children feel lost. Collaboration, patience, and trust form the strongest foundation for student success.
The evening closed with a timeless message: like the traveler in the Talmudic parable who blessed the tree for embodying sweetness, shade, and nourishment, our greatest blessing is that our children should grow to reflect the best in us.