Good parsha book recommendation?

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Forum -> Parenting our children -> Teenagers and Older children

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amother

Thu, Oct 31 2024, 7:30 pm

Anyone have a book on the parsha to recommend that we can read at the shabbos table? Looking for just an easy interesting paragraph or two to capture my teen’s interest.

patzer ↓

Thu, Oct 31 2024, 9:44 pm

Here are three that I really like:

1. A Portion of Kindness by Rosally Saltsman
For each parsha, it points out how we can learn from that parsha ways to be kinder and more sensitive to the feelings of others.
2. Shabbos with Rav Pam by Rabbi Sholom Smith.
Extremely well-written. Each parsha has its own thought-provoking lesson; it's both enjoyable and inspiring.
3. Directions in Rashi by Yochanon Joseph.
For each parsha, the author picks one of Rashi's comments and gives it a more thorough explanation, giving insights that you wouldn't pick up just by reading the chumash. The author's talent for finding the sweetest and most uplifting message in a seemingly simple Rashi will leave you licking your fingers and wishing for more.

amother

NeonPurple

Thu, Oct 31 2024, 10:18 pm

Paraha poems are fun.

seeker ↓

Thu, Oct 31 2024, 11:05 pm

Following. I have some great books but the attention span around my table is soooo short sometimes.

amother

Violet

Thu, Oct 31 2024, 11:42 pm

We do achas shaalti. It's halachos shailos and are very interesting.

thegiver

Fri, Nov 01 2024, 2:06 am

I love the midrash says but it’s not short drashos. More like a page at least.

amother

Pink

Fri, Nov 01 2024, 2:30 am

amother Violet wrote:

We do achas shaalti. It's halachos shailos and are very interesting.

I second this. it always has a nice story/scenario and it always get a good discussion going with everyone debating which is the right way and then it gives you the answer.

↑ seeker ↓

Fri, Nov 01 2024, 8:14 am

You need a certain base level of intellectualism to appreciate that though. I'm looking for sound bites for the unengaged.

↑ patzer

Fri, Nov 01 2024, 1:38 pm

seeker wrote:

You need a certain base level of intellectualism to appreciate that though. I'm looking for sound bites for the unengaged.

Oh, okay.
How aboutThe Stories He Told by Miriam Rosenzweig? It's a collection of engaging parables, based on the teachings of the Dubno Maggid. It's geared toward children, but adults will definitely enjoy it, too.
It's an old book and probably out of print by now, although you can usually find copies on Amazon.

amother

Taupe

Fri, Nov 01 2024, 3:12 pm

Can I throw out a radical idea?

What if you would find a blog about the teen's interest. Whether it's fashion or sports or cat memes. Print one post every week and discuss it.

I know, you'll say you asked for something spiritual. This idea is not connected to the Parsha at all. But what might happen is you start to connect with them at the Shabbos table deeply. It becomes a time of attunement and attention that flows freely between you. On Shabbos. During the Seudah. You're connecting to each other and enjoying the Shabbos. That sounds pretty spiritual to me.

↑ seeker

Fri, Nov 01 2024, 4:16 pm

Bh we have no problem connecting and we have lots of social interactions around our Shabbos table. But I feel sad when that's the only thing there is, and I want to improve my family's connection to Torah. I always try to find something to share but most people kind of opt out. They're too old to make them sit and listen or bribe them with dessert. They'll pay attention if something is both short and interesting but as soon as you have to explain anything, nobody cares.

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