I really liked Pamela’s last post. Not only do I love to hear a story like that about tolerance and commitment, but what great parenting! At 33, with 2 young children, a lot of my thoughts about religion, or life in general, have to do with being a good mother.

And I have an opinion on how to breed tolerance or better yet, acceptance.

When my nephew was 3, my niece was born. My sister-in-law had our Rabbi come out to their house for a baby naming. While he was there, he also hung a mezuzah for them. Later that night, while my sister-in-law was putting my nephew to bed he says, “Mommy, God was here today.” Well then. So of course she asks him what he is referring to and he replies, “You know, God? The guy who put the mezuzah up”.

Cute story, right? That’s been told a few dozen times – always gets a good laugh.

But think about it. How incredible is it that a 3 year old made that connection between a rabbi and God? And I’m not bragging about the intelligence of my nephew here, I’m saying that kids are smart. They are very perceptive. They absorb a whole heck of a lot more than we know. So what’s my point?

My point is, if we want our world to be a more peaceful place, if we want our children to be tolerant, understanding and accepting of others regardless or religion, culture, race, etcetera, we have to teach them from day one. Age zero. And not just teach them, model it for them. That means we ourselves have to be respectful of the differences among us. Our kids will know if we are not. Walk the walk and talk the talk. If we hate, so will our children. Break the cycle.

Pamela – I hope your story, and your dad, will inspire others as it has inspired me.