The Jewish people have always been a small people. Moses tells the Israelites: "For you are the fewest of all peoples." And yet the last eighty years have severely damaged the greatness of the Jewish people.
First the terrible Holocaust, which wiped out a third of our people, and then the increasing assimilation, which also led to the loss of millions of Jews.
Anyone who cares about the future of the Jewish people understands that the most important and central task today is to deal with the processes that are leading to the shrinking of the people. First and foremost, Jewish education, which will give the younger generation a meaning to their Jewish identity, and an understanding of the vital need to start a family with a Jewish spouse.
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At the same time, we must do everything we can to increase the Jewish birth rate. This was completely clear to the leaders of the state when it was founded. They understood that, in addition to bringing Jews from the Diaspora, the surest way to increase the number of people is by encouraging birth rates. The children who will be born will not need an absorption basket or a language studio, and in their adulthood will contribute their abilities and skills to the building of the nation and the country.
Educated to contribute
Unfortunately, those who were narrow-minded about families blessed with children gained the upper hand. The encouragement disappeared, and in its place was the perception that children were an obstacle to the fulfillment of personal aspirations, and therefore it was appropriate to reduce the number of children in the family.
Beyond the harm this perception causes to the Jewish people as a whole, it is also wrong on the individual family level. Indeed, a greater investment is required in a family blessed with children, both financially and in terms of the parents' attention and devotion. But in the end, this investment pays off and carries a high return.
Children who grow up in large families are taught to naturally lend a hand, contribute, and help. This education, instilled in them as children, will also be reflected in their adulthood. They will volunteer, come to the aid of others, and even in their own homes, they will not expect anyone to serve them.
The power of the large family is clearly manifested when someone in the family needs help. Here you see the entire family mobilizing and standing by, with each and every one contributing their abilities, skills, and resources. And even when the parents need help, there is always someone who volunteers for them.
A child brings a blessing
Some are troubled by the financial cost of a large family. Our sages said that when a baby is born, his livelihood is born with him. We believe that every child brings with it a blessing, and sometimes it is the new baby that opens the gates of blessing and abundance for the family.
In the blessing of food, we say that the Creator "feeds the entire world." Certainly, He has the power to provide food for another Jewish child.
This week's Torah tells of the Israelites' struggle with Pharaoh's decrees. It was precisely during this difficult time that the people continued to grow and become stronger - "and they multiplied and became exceedingly strong." The Egyptians tried to reduce the people, but "the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and the more they broke out.".
The Torah glorifies the two Hebrew midwives, Shifra and Puah, who lovingly cared for babies and selflessly protected their lives. These are exemplary figures who also stand before us in dealing with the challenges of our day.
