It’s a scene many families can relate to. The Shabbos candles are glowing, the table is beautifully set, and the family is ready for Kiddush—until everything starts to unravel.
“I want to sit near Mommy!” yells the youngest.
“I’m not sitting next to him—he kicks!” snaps the oldest.
“This week I get to sit by Tatty so I get grape juice first!” demands the middle child, pushing his chair forward.
Voices rise, chairs scrape, and the peaceful Shabbos atmosphere vanishes. The parents exchange a glance—something needs to change.
Parenting challenges like this arise in households daily. No matter a family’s size, traditions, or socioeconomic level, parenting is hard, and parents often feel isolated. Torah Academy recognized this struggle and created a highly successful three-part parenting initiative to bring parents together and offer support. Last year, TA focused on parents of very young children, and this year, we expanded the series to address the unique challenges faced by parents of older children.
Despite cold winter evenings, parents from across the Jewish community flocked to the sessions. The lecture featured an all-star lineup of chinuch experts, delivering practical solutions and compassionate insights into raising children in today’s world. Organizers ensured the evenings were enjoyable, with delicious refreshments, elegant decor, and different venues to accommodate the crowds. Babysitting assistance was even offered to help parents attend together. The final lecture drew a crowd of almost 175 attendees!
The first lecture, delivered by Rabbi Shmuel Klein, focused on “Vitamin N”—the importance of saying no to children for their long-term benefit. He shared practical advice on creating structure in the home, such as assigning seats at the Shabbos table and entrusting children with designated “jobs” like bringing dips to the table. These strategies provide children with security about their place in the family while reducing competition and tension. The lecture was elevated by the presence of the Bostoner Rebbe, shlita, who delivered the opening remarks and remained throughout the event—an acknowledgment of the series’ importance.
The second lecture featured a dynamic panel of respected educators—Rabbi Yosef Sonnenschein, Rabbi Chaim Wein, and Rabbi Yehuda Brecher—who addressed real-world questions submitted by parents. Their thoughtful, experience-infused, and often humorous answers resonated deeply with the audience. Building on one another’s responses, the panelists created a session that was both engaging and informative. The overarching message was clear: we are all in this together.
The final lecture tackled a critical parenting challenge: how to insulate children in an exposed world. Rabbi Aaron Lopiansky presented an adaptable framework for setting boundaries tailored to each child’s needs. Instead of prescribing a one-size-fits-all approach, he empowered parents to make decisions aligned with their family’s values. He emphasized the importance of anticipating challenges that children may face and addressing them proactively. In just 45 minutes, Rabbi Lopiansky distilled decades of wisdom into a message that resonated deeply with the diverse audience.
Torah Academy’s Parenting Initiative not only addressed a pressing need but also brought the community together. By providing expert insights, practical resources, and a warm atmosphere, the program united parents in their shared mission of growth. Once again, Torah Academy demonstrated its commitment to building stronger families and a stronger community.
This series was made possible by a grant from Charlesview and through the guidance of Torah U’Mesorah.