How do you define the word Nachat (or Naches)?
Pride? Pleasure? Satisfaction?
Jewish parents often express the Nachat they derive from watching their children grow up to be good people with a strong Jewish identity and a desire to contribute to the world.
But sometimes Nachat can become more like bragging rights. "Your son is a Lawyer? Very nice. My daughter is a Doctor!"
I think Nachat is less about Pride (though there is certainly a pride a parent feels seeing their child develop their potential) and more about Peace of Mind. [Nachat may be related to the word LaNuach - to rest] Knowing that your child has internalized the values with which you raised them, and seeing them take off and fly, allows a parent to breathe and to feel a sense of calm that, no matter what challenges life brings, all will be well with them, B'ezrat Hashem.
Yesterday we had the special Zechut of watching our oldest daughter Shira graduate college from Yeshiva University. It was very moving, especially given the challenging circumstances of learning during Covid. We have watched her develop over the years and it is truly amazing to see her emerge into this incredible person with so much talent, sensitivity, and emotional intelligence.
It was also very special to see her graduate from Yeshiva University, where we both studied and graduated as well. In addition to inculcating an integrated Torah U'Maddah worldview in their students, YU also allows them to feel their Jewish pride as well as their connection and responsibility to Am Yisrael. It was so moving seeing the entire student body erupt into dancing while singing "Simcha L'Artzecha V'Sason L'Irecha." This connection to Am Yisrael and Eretz Yisrael is celebrated and emphasized, and the speeches at graduation talked about Kiddush Hashem, Eretz Yisrael, and each person doing their chelek to bring the Geula.
On a personal level, it was so touching to see friends whose children were also graduating from all parts of our past: Boston, Washington Heights, Boca Raton, Houston, and Silver Spring.
It is a little surreal to see Shira graduating college. It feels like we were just students at YU yesterday. [I guess I am still a student, as I just finished my 3rd year of my Doctoral studies in Educational Leadership at Azrieli.]
This summer Shira is planning to spread her wings and fly even further, by making Aliyah! We are so proud of her in so many ways!
So many family members, teachers, and friends have helped Shira grow into the person she is becoming. We thank each of you for your part on her journey! And we thank Hashem for looking after her as she takes her next steps on her path.
So yes, we feel a great deal of Nachat from Shira (and her siblings). Because we know that, whatever happens in life, she has the values, the mindset, and the intelligence to make the best of everything, to look to help wherever she can, and to feel Hashem in her life at every moment.
Mazal Tov!!!
