We teach our children by example, not by the laws we pass

Two of my longtime dearest friends called to say hello before isolating themselves while they start the arduous preparations for the forthcoming beginning of the Jewish holiday of Passover, which begins Monday evening with the traditional Passover Seder meal at sundown and lasts for eight days, ending on April 2.

While I envy these women friends their warm, close family gatherings at this holiday, I am relieved that my own preparations for Palm Sunday and Easter are minimal and easy compared to their lengthy, demanding schedule of cleaning, bringing forth special dishes and utensils and the preparation of many symbolic and delicious foods, which may not contain wheat, rye, barley, oats or spelt.

Passover celebrates the delivery of members of the Jewish faith from slavery in Egypt during the time of Moses. At this special time of year which represents a rebirth, I have also been giving a lot of thought to news items about the continuing arguments over gun laws, the presence of a gun shop on Main Street, Branford, and the push, in some states, to allow sponsored prayer at school sports events and in the classroom.

While I have never been convinced of the need for artillery-type weapons for self-defense nor the claim that good guys being fully armed at all times is the best way to protect us from the bad. I also don’t think foregoing the wise decision to keep church and state separate and bringing prayer (representative of one faith) into the schools, will make children “good” either.

As parents and teachers, we lead by the example we set with our own friends and in our own communities. I am both charmed and impressed that in Hebrew there are several expressions for acts of kindness. Mitzvot are mandated acts; respecting your parents and grandparents and giving food to the poor as well as caring for orphans, the homeless and unfortunate strangers. Tzedakjah are the acts which serve as living models for our children when they see and help us donate food and clothing or invite others to share in our holiday dinner and live the virtues of study, hard work, honesty and thrift. Gimelut hasidm, or loving acts of kindness, are the little but so important things, the unsolicited gestures that are gifts of love and empathy.

Lastly, Tkun olam (repair of the Earth) are the acts as small as picking up litter or trying to conserve natural resources. We adults are all teachers, and we instruct by what we do rather than by what we say. At this special time of year when the Earth comes alive once again and whatever our faith, we feel hopeful and renewed, let us consider that laws are only as strong and meaningful as the examples their human makers set. May you have a happy and peaceful Easter and Passover.

Contact Jean Cherni, certified senior adviser for Senior Living Solutions and Pearce Plus, a helpful, full-service program for seniors contemplating a move, at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds at 101 Hotchkiss Grove, Branford 06405.

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