Some say: A father is obligated to teach his son how to swim. -Talmud, Kiddushin, 29a
This Sunday we celebrate the blessing of fathers that pours through us like a cup runneth over. The Talmud teaches that among the obligations owed to sons, and here I will add daughters, is the duty for fathers to teach their children how to swim. On the most immediate level this means teaching our children how to stay safe from danger. At the same time, I see in the text a metaphor for life and what it means to be a parent. Being a dad means teaching and modeling life lessons, values and morals that eventually flow through our bodies and guide our thoughts and actions.
Fathers instruct us not only how to stay afloat in life when the tide comes crashing to the shore but also how to ride the waves like a surfer. Dads inspire within us the courage and confidence to dip our toes in the water and jump in. Sometimes when we take the plunge, we sink like stones. Other times we tread water or just go with the flow. And then there are the times when we dive in head-first and end up crossing the finish line. What keeps us buoyant is the love and pride from our fathers.
Let us today and every day thank God for the many gifts bestowed upon us by fathers. From generation to generation who by word and deed, teach their children how to swim through life with grace, style and ease.
Happy Father’s Day! May God bless you and keep you. May you be blessed with a week of peace.
