Raising Children with Values: The Torah Foundation for True Education

“You shall take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the children of Israel.”

This week’s Torah portion, Tetzaveh, discusses the priestly garments and the service of the priests. One of these garments is the ephod, one of the eight garments worn by the High Priest. The ephod was designed to hold the onyx stones and the stones of the breastplate. Attached to it were two shoulder straps that extended over the back and reached the shoulders. At the ends of these straps, on the shoulders, two onyx stones were set. On these stones were engraved the names of the tribes of Israel, and they were then placed into golden settings.

From this description, we can understand that the foundation of all the stones of the breastplate, upon which the names of Israel were inscribed, lies in these two onyx stones. Our sages teach that these stones symbolize the two tablets of stone upon which the Ten Commandments were engraved. They represent the foundational principles upon which the identity of the people of Israel is built.

It is well known that the names of the children of Israel are not merely labels. Each name reflects the essence of a person’s body and soul, and a person’s life journey is deeply connected to their name. This means that human development is rooted in the foundations found in the tablets of the covenant, which guide a life built on truth and values, shaping a person in the image of the divine.

There is no other system of education that instills values and character traits like the values of Judaism, which originate from these foundational principles given through the tablets brought down by Moshe.

What Is True Education?

Every parent and educator must ask, what kind of education do we want to give our children?

It is important to clarify the question. Teaching knowledge such as mathematics or English is not education, but pedagogy. The real question is what values we want our children to grow up with. High tech or law are professions, not education in building a person of character. Even livelihood does not come from a profession, but from Heaven. Any profession we acquire is merely an effort, a pathway to the livelihood already prepared for us by God.

The answer is already within each of us. We all want to see our children grow with respect for others, refined character traits, and a pleasant way of interacting. We want children who contribute positively to society and strengthen the identity of the Jewish people, not imitate other cultures.

Why Is This Not Happening

Let us speak honestly about what we see around us. Sadly, we often observe that even among those educated in prestigious professions and positions, there is a lack of values and respect for others. The language can be coarse, the attitudes confrontational, and sometimes even hostile.

Youth today are facing a turbulent reality. Violence is increasing, and wandering the streets is no longer a minor issue. Parents report a loss of authority, teachers feel disrespected, and educators are growing desperate, asking what more can be done.

This happens because we are not truly educating for values. Even when we try, we often do so without grounding in the foundational principles represented by the tablets. As long as we are not anchored in value based education rooted in Jewish identity and pride, we will not see a different society.

Who teaches a person how to manage anger? Who teaches how to avoid gossip or harmful speech? Who teaches patience, tolerance, and respect for others? The answers are not found elsewhere; they are in our hands.

Returning to the Foundations

We have foundational principles engraved with values such as “Love your fellow as yourself,” “Honor your father and mother,” and “Let your student’s honor be as dear to you as your own.” These are not just verses or sayings, but guiding principles for a fulfilling life and a healthy society.

If we want to change reality, we must begin at the foundation, in the home and in our immediate educational environments. Teaching values cannot rely on words alone. It must be lived through personal example, rooted in the traditions of Judaism, whose ways are described as ways of pleasantness and paths of peace.

Children learn by observing. When they see parents, teachers, and leaders demonstrating respect, integrity, patience, and responsibility, they absorb these values as part of who they are.

It is also essential to integrate Jewish history, culture, and tradition in a meaningful way, so that children understand their roots and the significance of belonging to the Jewish people. Education in values without a strong Jewish identity lacks the power to truly influence and transform.

The values of the Torah form the moral and social foundation upon which the Jewish nation was built. They are a living guide for all of us. The Torah is not merely a book of laws, but a system of wisdom designed to shape both the individual and society in the best and most just way.

Core Values of the Torah

Respect is a central principle. Honoring parents highlights the importance of appreciation and respect as the foundation of healthy relationships. Respect for every person stems from the belief that each individual is created in the image of God.

Compassion and kindness are also essential. We are commanded to show mercy to others, especially the vulnerable such as the stranger, the orphan, and the widow. This includes acts of charity and social responsibility.

Truth and integrity are equally fundamental. Commands such as “Do not steal,” “Do not bear false witness,” and “Distance yourself from falsehood” emphasize honesty in both personal and public life. Integrity is the cornerstone of trust and peace in society.

Patience, self control, and the avoidance of anger and hatred are also key values. Justice is intended to be balanced with compassion, guiding us toward peaceful solutions.

Above all, love and peace are central. “Love your fellow as yourself” is a foundational principle, teaching that love for others is the basis of a healthy society. The Torah calls for tolerance, understanding, and acceptance despite differences.

Finally, personal responsibility is essential. Each person is responsible for their actions and is called to grow and improve continually. We are all partners in building a moral and just society.

These values are not theoretical. They are a way of life through which we can build not only strong individuals, but also a healthy and unified society. Educating with these values is the key to a promising future for our children and for the Jewish people.

A Long Term Mission

Education for values is a long term process that requires patience, consistency, and dedication. There are no shortcuts and no quick fixes. But if we act together and keep before us the foundational principles given to us by God, who desires us to be people of strong character, we can pass this heritage from generation to generation.

Through this, we can build a responsible, united, and healthy society, founded on respect and love for others. This is the key to a better future for our children and for all of us.

We conclude with the verse with which we began: “You shall take the two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the children of Israel.”

Let us take these foundational stones of values and build upon them, shaping the next generation with dignity, purpose, and pride.