Be aware of the personal strengths of those around you, especially your children, and try to guide them so they can tap into them.

Every Friday night, parents are given a special opportunity to recite Birkat Ha’Banim, blessing their children, stating, when blessing a son, that they should be like Ephraim and Menashe, and that a daughter should be like Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah.

To appreciate why the sons of Joseph, who were also the grandchildren of Jacob were chosen for this special blessing, read this enlightening analysis entitled, “Jacob Blesses His Grandchildren” from Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald’s Torah message for Vayechi 5779-2018. Out of respect for Shabbat, please consider printing it on Friday afternoon if you plan to read it on Shabbat.