We are raising children in an era of unprecedented complexity. Our children are growing up in a world of constant comparison, instant gratification, social pressure, global uncertainty, and emotional overload. Anxiety and fragility have become increasingly common, even among children who appear outwardly successful. Against this backdrop, one of the most important qualities we must instill in our children is resilience, the ability to endure difficulty, recover from setbacks, and continue forward with strength and purpose.

Judaism has always been a tradition rooted in resilience. From the very beginning of our national story, struggle is presented not as an anomaly, but as a defining feature of Jewish growth. Yaakov Avinu is given the name Yisrael because he “struggled with God and with men and prevailed” (Bereishis 32:29). Jewish identity itself is formed through perseverance. This is not incidental. It is foundational.

Contemporary culture often teaches children that discomfort should be avoided and that challenges are signs of failure. The Torah teaches precisely the opposite. Growth emerges through effort and perseverance. The Mishnah teaches, “Lefum tza’ara agra,”........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)