Parents need their children. Horav Avraham Berish Flohm, z.l., a distinguished disciple of the Maggid of Dubno, gives the following explanation of this pasuk. A father and his son were traveling together on a long journey. It was a difficult trip, and the father went to great lengths to provide for his son’s comfort. He provided for all of his needs and protected him from the challenges along the way. This added responsibility took its toll on the father, but what does a parent not do for their child? When they reached their destination, they discovered that the gates to the city were locked, and no one could enter or leave. The father searched the area and noted a small guard’s hut alongside the outer gate. He peered through the tiny window and – to his delight – he saw the keys to the gate. The problem was how to enter the guard’s hut. There was no guard, but the door was locked and the window was too small for him to enter.
The father turned to his son and said, “Until this point, I have attended to all of your needs. Now, I need your help. There is a little window in the guard’s hut. It is just large enough for you to fit through. Climb inside and please retrieve the keys to the gate, so that we can finally reach our destination.”
This is the story of life. Parents worry and provide for all of their children’s needs – both physical and spiritual. During the Yemei Ha’din, Days of Judgment, the parents have to face the Heavenly Tribunal and hope that they are given a chance for another year. Chazal teach us that the world is sustained through the hevel pihem of tinokos shel bais rabbon, children who study Torah. Their merit is great and can make the difference. They can get through that “window of opportunity” that eludes their parents. Through their merit, their parents can achieve forgiveness from the Heavenly Father. Parents need their children. Now, if only the children would realize this.
