Printed fromChabadVI.org
ב"ה
About Rabbi's Blog

Defining moment of education

Friday, 9 March, 2012 - 5:44 pm

Posted by Rabbi Meir Kaplan

While it seems like Leibel got his fair share of coverage lately, I think this incident and picture is worth sharing 

Two weeks ago, Leibel, who is 6 years old, took for the first time a pencil and paper trying to make a portrait of a figure he knew. When he looked on the finished product - he himself was surprised by the success; we were stunned.

Leibel's picture.JPGI asked him to draw a picture of my father, who he is named after. A short while later he came up with a drawing that actually captured the look of his grandfather, who he never had the privilege to meet.

Leibel looked on the paper and realized that he just found in himself a talent he had no idea he contained. He saw the faces of his parents and sibling and he was filled with pride of his accomplishment.

I realized that it is a defining moment. "Leibel" I said "Hashem has given you a special gift, you didn't work for it or earn it, how are you going to thank Him for it? In what way are you going to serve Him with this talent?"

Children are so sincere. Leibel listened carefully and then his facial expression changed to one of gratitude and perhaps even humility. "When I daven, I'll make sure to thank Hashem for this too" he said. 

Comments on: Defining moment of education
3/9/2012

Lesley Friedmann wrote...

Leibel, I am also stunned with your artistic capabilities. This image is expressive and at first I thought this portrait was drawn by an adult. The proportions of the face are indicative of those used by an artist much older than yourself. The face is alive and I feel the soul of the person you drew coming out to me. Wow!
4/21/2012

Hanane wrote...

Something is certainly neeedd to change that dynamic, and a very visible progressive presidential bid from a well known person could be just the thing. From a well know person . who is wealthyand has a following of very powerful wealthy individuals .and who would change the System thatis used to keep the present status going .In all due respect and certainly not blasphemous: wouldit be possible for GOD TO BE PRESIDENT and get things done as they should be done? Could thisGod be successful with the present system and present group of Congress men & women? And toadd insult to injury how about all the citizens (like the wealthy) who think that the present system of government and Congress personel does not need change or at least some reform? Can one person do it without the cooperation of Congress and the people? Or would GOD be able to get all the wealthypeople on His/Her side ..as long as they can remain rich and have the low class/income peoplebe at their service. One step at a time doesn't seem to be the answer unless we believe in a very'slow evolutionary idea of million of years to complete America's idea of DEMOCRAY's work inprogress.American people want things done yesterday ..so what is the solution? How can weget change politically, morally and spiritually done yesterday ..by praying, writing letters, makingtelephone calls to our Senators and Representative or even minor demonstrations? Is there somethingmore than that what was just mentioned??????? There probably is ..but can IT be tactfully dis-cussed and considered with firmness & convictgion in these blogs or articles written by dedicated men, women and people of sanity, common sense ( NOT POLITICAL SENSE) and interested in the COMMON GOOD rather than the wealthy. Can we work, hope and dream of ALL THAT CAN BEGOOD. GOOD not in the sense of wealth and power but GOOD base on the Judeo/Christianprinciples of the Ten Commandments, the Four gospels and moral virtues. We pray that God notin generalities bless the USA but may God help, guide and give us perserverance to work forwhat is Just and Good not only for the USA but for all peoples of All Nations. TO DREAM THEIMPOSSIBLE DREAM.