Rabbi Elimelech Biderman
A first grade rebbe realized that he had a problem when many children of his class were complaining that someone was stealing the snacks they brought from home. The rebbe also noticed that several items in his classroom, such as books, pens and toys, were missing. To figure out which child was stealing, he began coming to the classroom when the children were out for recess. He discovered that the thief was none other than one of the sweetest boys in the class, Yochanan.
The Young Thief Had Exceptional Middos
From all children, the rebbe would never suspect Yochanan. This six-year-old boy had exceptional middos, behaved well in class, and was brought up in a warm, loving, and G-d fearing home.
The teacher called Yochanan's parents and told them what he discovered. "We can't just let this pass," he emphasized to the parents. "We must not let it become a habit."
The parents admitted there was a problem, since at home too, items (and also money) were disappearing. They promised to speak with their son about it.
After speaking with Yochanan, the parents discovered the root of the problem.
The Grandmother and the Mother “Stealing” Sweets
The family lived with their grandmother, and she slept in Yochanan's room. She was diabetic, and wasn’t allowed to eat sugar, but because of her old-age and failing mind, she didn’t totally grasp her situation. At nighttime, when no one was around, she would sneak into the kitchen, "steal" some sweets, and conceal them in her drawer. In the morning, when the elderly grandmother wasn't watching, the mother would secretively open up her drawers, and "steal" the snacks back.
Yochanan watched this day after day. He saw his grandmother stealing, and he saw his mother stealing, and that is how he acquired this bad habit of stealing.
Children learn from what they see. Parents should therefore show their love for the mitzvos to their children, so the children will love the mitzvos and perform them with fervor too.
Reprinted from the July 25, 2024 email of the Torah Times Media.
