What are we really hoping for when we say we want our children to be religious?
In this week's episode, Rav Shlomo Katz and the women of Shirat David explore one of the deepest questions in Jewish parenting. Is the goal simply that our children keep Torah and mitzvot, or is there something even more fundamental that must come first?
Drawing from the teachings of Rav Itamar Schwartz, Chassidut, Parshat Beha'alotecha, and powerful personal stories, Rav Shlomo explains why Jewish parenting must be built around the soul, why children need to experience a living relationship with Hashem in the home, and why even the most meticulous religious upbringing can miss the point if it lacks genuine connection.
Along the way, he discusses humor in parenting, trauma and resilience, the role of schools versus parents, hitbodedut, community pressure, and what it means to create a home where Hashem is not merely discussed—but truly felt.
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CHAPTERS
00:00 Opening and Sponsorship Announcements
02:18 Humor Required in Soul-Focused Parenting
07:13 Addressing Trauma: Need for Laughter
08:17 Behaalotecha Lesson: Feeling the Torah
11:57 Parents Must Experience Hashem First
14:43 NBA Analogy: Perseverance and Humility
16:27 Story of Rabbi Meir Abuchatzeira
19:04 Chabad-Knicks Moshiach Humor
23:01 Hashem Is Everywhere, Not Just at Shul
24:14 Teaching Kids Hashem with Joy and Simcha
25:40 Parents Must Model Hashem-Centered Homes
28:14 Self-Esteem vs. Infinite Divine Potential
29:19 When Chinuch Misses Its True Purpose
30:20 Parents Focused Solely on Torah/Mitzvos
32:25 Considering Hitbodedut in Summer Break
35:06 Relationship with God vs. Staying Frum Debate
36:33 Baal Teshuvah Family: Kids Stray Yet Seek God
39:03 Parents’ Authentic Relationship Transfers to Children
44:10 Making Hashem Central in the Home All Day
46:18 Covenant and Kirvas Hashem as Core
47:39 Closeness to God Brings Pain
49:22 Teaching Desire, Not Obligation, for Mitzvot
52:32 Motivation Behind Wanting Kids to Wear Tzitzit
54:27 Modeling Love for Mitzvot at Home
55:49 Community Pressure vs Personal Desire in Parenting
57:00 War Trauma and Spiritual Connection
58:48 Final Thoughts on Passing the Legacy
About this video
“Why Do We Really Want Our Kids to Be Religious?” is a video from Rav Shlomo Katz, published on June 14, 2026 and available to watch on VideoVinkel. The total runtime is 1:00:04. Press play above to stream the full video right here, or open the original on YouTube.
“Why Do We Really Want Our Kids to Be Religious?” was uploaded by Rav Shlomo Katz on June 14, 2026. You can browse more uploads from Rav Shlomo Katz on VideoVinkel.
How long is this video?
The total runtime is 1:00:04.
Where can I watch it?
You can stream this video right here on VideoVinkel — just press play at the top of this page. The original is also available on YouTube.
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