... to learn a true teaching of our Torah (whose name comes from the Hebrew word "horaah" - teaching), the true Torah.
This week's section tells us about the birth and education of the first Jewish child, who was born to Jewish parents, Itzjak, the son of Avraham and Sara, the first parents of the Jewish people.
Itzjak's birth was supernatural and miraculous. His brit – circumcision – was when he was eight days old, and his upbringing was fraught with difficulties and trials.
It was completely different with Abraham's son Ishmael, whose birth was natural, and his brit was performed when he was thirteen years old, that is, when he already had a certain understanding and awareness.
And God promised Abraham that specifically Isaac would be his true heir (because in Isaac will be your offspring) and through him will be the birth of the Jewish people.
This teaches us that, when it comes to raising Jewish generations, the challenge cannot be met with a nature-based approach, nor with human reasoning or plans.
Jewish existence does not depend on nature, but on Divine guidance.
This is the very foundation of Jewish education, which is not based on the natural order, as it is for other cultures. We do not wait until a Jewish child develops self-understanding and figures out how to behave on their own before embracing Judaism. Instead, we provide them with a comprehensive and rigorous Jewish education from a very young age. In doing so, we ensure that our union with God will be strong and eternal (an everlasting covenant), and we will overcome all difficulties and trials. We will also receive all of God's blessings, both material and spiritual.