Raising Children with a “Good Eye”: The Secret of Passing Down Faith and Values

In our Torah portion, a special mitzvah is mentioned: the Priestly Blessing (Birkat Kohanim). Many have the custom, during this blessing, to bring their children under the tallit (this custom is recorded in Hayom Yom, 15th of Tishrei). There is a profound explanation behind this practice, that reflects a fundamental principle in education:

Every Jew is a link in a sacred chain that began with our forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and continues all the way to us. There is a divine light that flows into our souls and gives us life, and that light is transmitted through this very chain. This is why the mitzvah of honoring one’s parents appears on the “right side” of the Ten Commandments — those between man and God. It is not merely about gratitude or interpersonal respect; it is directly connected to the revelation of divine honor in the world.

A Living Link in the Chain

Every Jew must see themselves in this way — as a connecting link. On one hand, we are privileged to have received the Torah and to be connected to Hashem. This chain began with the Patriarchs and passed through generations who sacrificed deeply — literally giving of themselves, to preserve it and pass it forward, generation after generation, until it reached us. But it does not end here.

We are entrusted with a complex and demanding mission: to pass this light on to the next generation.

This is not simple, especially in such a challenging era, where external influences are so accessible and tempting, and where children are especially sensitive. But this is our role: to become a living link in that chain, and to transmit the Torah in a way that can truly be received.

Becoming a Channel for Blessing

In order to be a successful conduit for this blessing and light, without “blockages in the pipeline” there are certain conditions we must recognize. We see this with the Kohanim themselves. The verse states, “A good eye — he shall bless,” and the Talmud derives from here that to draw down blessing, one must have a “good eye” and bless with love.

Another essential condition is joy. (This is why a Kohen in mourning does not bless.) If we, as parents, want to be a continuation of this channel of blessing, we too must live with joy and love — with a generous, positive outlook that sees the good, believes in it, and nurtures it. And this doesn’t come automatically, but requires inner work.

Developing a “Good Eye”

To develop such a “good eye,” we must invest effort. We need to pray for it, and dedicate time to truly understand our children’s needs. Again, from Hayom Yom (22nd of Tevet), in the name of the Rebbe Rashab of Chabad: just as putting on tefillin daily is a Torah obligation for every Jew, regardless of level, so too is it an absolute duty for every Jew to spend at least half an hour each day thinking about their children’s education, and to do everything within their power, and even beyond their power, to influence their children to follow the path they are being guided on.

A “good eye” requires reflection and creativity.

It is worthwhile to set aside time intentionally and invest in strengthening the connection with each child. Through this, we can merit becoming a clear and effective channel, thereby transmitting blessing, without obstruction, to the next generation.