spirituality BIRMINGHAM , BIRMINGHAM MARTIAL ARTS #1 Kids Martial Arts Program Kids Karate Parshat Vayera: Genesis 18:1-22:24; II Kings 4:1-4:37. NOW ENROLLING A braham, the protagonist of this action between father and son, between week's Torah portion, was per- the architect of a revolution and the one haps the most radical reformer who will ultimately be responsible for its in all of history. The doctrine he perpetuation. espoused — monotheism — The idea behind this is simple, was counterculture and revo- yet profound. lutionary in all of its tenets, Education lies not in the words and he solely shouldered the that we say; it lies in the examples responsibility for its propaga- that we set. While words may tion and promulgation. suffice to convey hollow ideas Abraham, then, was an and lifeless messages, they are educator who was deter- ineffective in transmitting life and mined to disseminate his vibrancy. beliefs and ideals to the wid- Rabbi The transformation of a genera- est possible audience. In fact, Mendel S tein tion of polytheists and idolaters it was specifically the guid- into devout believers, dedicated ance and teachings he offered to the service of one God, could that served as the basis for his relation- not come about through polemic and ship with God. debate. Abraham's influence was a credit "For I have cherished him," said God, to the life path he chose to take and the "because he instructs his sons and his example he chose to set, not to the mes- household after him that they should sages that he chose to deliver. His legacy keep the way of the Lord to perform is found in his actions, not in his words. righteousness and justice From all The message for us is clear. of the tremendous achievements that There is only so much that a school- Abraham had accomplished and from all room can offer in terms of educating our of the refined character traits possessed, children. If we hope for our children to God saw his influence on his household be passionate about their Jewish identity and his progeny as his primary virtue. and to embrace leadership roles in the One would expect that the pages Jewish community, we must ourselves be dedicated to detailing his life would be living examples of Jews who are proud of replete with his inspirational messages our heritage. and guiding insights, an anthology of Often, when approached by parents sorts of his seminal ideas and teachings. concerned with the degree of their chil- Surely, the greatest record of Abraham's dren's Jewish involvement and participa- influence would be the powerful speech- tion, the Rebbe — Rabbi Menachem es he would have delivered and the sage M. Schneerson, of righteous memory counsel he would have offered the mem- — would suggest the parents begin by bers of his household. intensifying their own religious obser- Those familiar with the Torah account vance and spiritual engagement will know, however, that this is anything While imparting knowledge is an but the case. There is but one dialogue integral part of Jewish education, the life, between Abraham and Isaac recorded in enthusiasm and pride that Judaism offers the Torah, and its context seems some- can only be transmitted through living what incidental. examples. On his way to being sacrificed upon If it is specifically life that begets life, the altar, Isaac asked of his father: "Here and energy that begets energy, then it is are the fire and the wood, but where only Jewish life that will beget Jewish life, is the lamb for the burnt offering?" To and Jewish energy Jewish energy. * which Abraham responded: "God will Rabbi Mendel Stein is development director at provide for Himself the lamb for the burnt offering, my son:' Beyond this con- Detroit's Lubavitch Yeshiva-International School for Chabad Leadership in Oak Park. versation, we know nothing of the inter- 2219 Cole Street Birmingam MI 48009 www.bmartialarts.com 248 646-6608 1970330 Rated #1 In Best Purchase Experience in the Midwest 2013 and 2014 Jeff Stewart Assistant New Car Sales Manager Serving the Community Since 1969 248-636-2736 CONGRATULATIONS GLASSMAN SUBARU A division of Glassman Automotive Group C7' HYUrIDRI SUBARU. Serving Our Community For Over 45 Years! 28000 Telegraph Rd • Southfield • (248) 636-2736 • (800) 354-5558 FREE DELIVERY FREE MEDICATION CONSULTATION 20'° OFF ALL CASH PRESCRIPTIONS! NOW OPEN! Your NEW Neighborhood Pharmacy Franklin Health Mart Pharmacy Franklin Health Mart Pharmacy 29113 Northwestern Hwy. Southfield 248.355.1910 OTC Medications I Blood Pressure Monitors I Diabetic Supplies I Immunizations I Medical Equipment 1978990 Keep your company top of mind with our readers. ADVERTISE WITH US! CALL 248.351.5107 Visit theJEWISHNEWS.com October 29 2015 JN 43