Vayikra 5771

This week's parsha, the first portion of the third book of the Torah, is called Vayikra, which means "He called." It begins with G-d calling to Moshe. The word Vayikra is written in an interesting way in the Torah scroll: the last letter of the word, an aleph, is written smaller than the other letters.

What is the big meaning of the small aleph?

Moshe is well aware of his exceptional qualities as a great prophet through whom the Torah is communicated. Instead of causing his head to swell, this awareness makes Moshe humble. Moshe recognizes that his abilities are given to him as a gift from G-d. He does not feel conceited; instead, he feels a compelling sense of responsibility. Thus, when Moshe records in the Torah that G-d called to him, he writes the world Vayikra with a small aleph.

As parents, we know that self-esteem is important to our children's development. How can we avoid the negative effects – conceit, hubris, complacency – of praising our children's achievements?

The most empowering knowledge we can provide to our children to boost their self-esteem is that they are part of something much greater than themselves. They are a creation of G-d, Who has great expectations for them. It is not the talents that they are born with that matter, but what they make of them. As Chana Weisberg writes on www.chabad.org, "True humility and a productive self-image do not come from denying one's talents, but rather from acknowledging that they are merely a bequest from Above, providing a channel through which to exert the greatest effort in accomplishing His will."

According to Mrs. Weisberg, the lesson of the small aleph is: Teach your children their greatness. Point out their unlimited potential, great talents and unique, individual capabilities. But at the same time, emphasize to your children that these are gifts given to them by G-d, Who wants them to use their talents to better our world – in their own, unique way. Help your children experience their largeness, but at the same time, let them feel their smallness. When they realize their responsibility and the significance of their personal attributes, they will strive to reach even greater heights.