1. Turning Discipline into Growth
The Parsha of Haazinu brings back memories from my days in Yeshiva and Cheder. I recall once misbehaving, and instead of a meaningless punishment like writing “behave” a thousand times, I was assigned to study the entire Haazinu bal peh—by heart. To this day, I still know it, even with the trup—the cantillation notes—because of that experience. Sometimes, what seems like a negative can be transformed into something productive and positive.
2. Empowering Responsibility in Chinuch
This idea connects to something I recently observed with my son Label, who just went on shlichus—a mission—to Australia. The Yeshiva there insisted that the boys arrive before Yom Tov, which is unusual since most institutions have a gap between summer and the start of the new year. This showed me that it must be a very organized place.
After speaking with him, I was impressed by their approach. They treat the boys with great respect—providing nice apartments, spending money, and making them feel valued. But at the same time, they give them real responsibilities. The boys are told: “You are here to make a difference.” With around a thousand kids on campus and everything running smoothly, the main thing is that the students themselves feel responsible for their roles.
3. The Power of Positive Expectations
Label shared how good it feels to be trusted with responsibility. No one has to fight with them to get up in the morning or fulfill their duties—they step up because they are empowered and expected to contribute. This is such a beautiful approach: instead of constant discipline or punishments for coming late, empower students to take ownership and believe in their ability to make an impact.
I think our own Yeshivas could learn from this model—to empower children positively rather than through negative reinforcement. Of course, not every method works for every child or situation, but giving responsibility can awaken hidden strengths.
4. Expecting More from Ourselves
This lesson applies beyond education as well. Often we hesitate or doubt whether we can meet what’s expected of us—it feels too much or beyond our capabilities. But we truly do have the power and mission within us to accomplish more than we imagine.
Hashem has given us real koiches—strengths—and abilities that we can use for good. We should strive to utilize these strengths in positive ways throughout the coming year: increasing our Torah learning, performing mitzvos better, and doing more acts of kindness.
5. Preparing for Yom Tov with Growth
It is brought down that before Yom Tov everyone should undertake some new area of growth—both in positive mitzvos and in being more careful about prohibitions—as well as improving our general character traits.
If we do this sincerely, Hashem will surely help us succeed and bless us all with a kesiva v’chasima toiva—a good inscription and sealing for the new year—a shana toiva u’mesuka, a sweet new year.