by Rabbi Zev Schostak
Mother’s day is this coming Sunday, May 8. Where did this holiday come from? Just how important is a day to honor our moms?
Ever since Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Mother’s Day a national holiday in 1914, children have chosen to honor their mothers on this special day with personal visits, greeting cards and gifts. Every mother deeply cherishes these special times she spends with her loved ones. Today, Mother’s Day has become a beloved tradition enabling us all to pay tribute to these special women in our lives.
In the Jewish tradition, “honor thy mother and thy father” is on the “top ten” list of our religious obligations ( mitzvot): in fact, it is number five of the Ten Commandments! Our sages note that the first five of the Ten Commandments address man’s relationship with his Creator; the second five—thou shall not murder, steal, commit adultery, and so on, deal with man’s interpersonal relationships. Why, then, is the obligation to honor our parents—an interpersonal relationship—enumerated in the first five?
The sages offer an answer that teaches us the significance of honoring our parents. “There are three partners in the creation of man: The Holy One, Blessed Be He, the father and the mother.” ( Kiddushin 30b) Simply put, to honor one’s parents is akin to honoring God Himself! The ultimate gift that we receive from our parents (and the Silent Partner) is the gift of life. But we owe them much more. They nurtured us, were our first teachers, set us on the path of life, supported us during tough times…Can we ever repay them?
As chaplain at the Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, I sometimes meet with residents whose children rarely call or visit them. These residents don’t have cell phones for text messages or computers for e-mail. Sometimes, they can’t even dial a landline phone because of their arthritis. In their loneliness, they long to hear the voices of their children and grandchildren. They miss them terribly. Yet, sadly, there are only two days of the year they know the children will visit and call—Mother’s Day and their birthdays.
As wonderful a day as Mother’s Day may be, it’s not enough! Let’s make every day Mother’s Day. How? As often as possible, give your mother the best possible present—the gift of your presence. The sound of your voice, the warmth of your touch means so much to her. Call her regularly—even though you may only speak for only a few minutes. You’ll really make Mom’s day! Honor thy father and thy mother every day.
