We live in an age in which our differences are both praised and feared. We are raising our children to celebrate uniqueness of character, belief, and self expression. At the same time, we’re quick to make judgement calls and assume the worst.

We do everything in our power to give our children what they need, although most of us don’t face situations like Yocheved’s. This too is Torah.

As a rabbi, I’m always studying religious customs and traditions – it comes with the job. And this time of year, it’s hard not to notice Christmas. It probably comes as no surprise that Santa Claus, Christmas trees, and bargains like “Happy Honda Days” weren’t part of the Christmas celebrations of two thousand years ago.

Parents, what’s your bedtime routine? A story, a song, a hug from a certain stuffed animal? This week the ‪Torah‬ teaches us the importance of closure.