Jewish parenting values I learned throughout our foster-adoptive family journey was the central theme of my talk at the historic Temple Beth El of San Pedro, California.
I had a lot to share and quite a few sources to bring in. Here are just a couple of Midrashic soures on the Jewish view of adoption.
In discussing why Moses, raised by the Pharaoh’s daughter, is later on referred to in the Torah as being yaldeah (‘her child’). Gemara asks, “Why ‘yaldeah’? Pharaoh’s daughter bore Moses? But didn’t she only raise him? Rather it tells you that anyone who raises an orphan boy or girl in his house, is given the credit as if he gave birth to him.”
(Megilla 13A).After saying to Moses, “I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious” (Exodus 33:19), [G-d] showed him all the storehouses of reward that are designated for the righteous.
Moses asked, “Who does this storehouse belong to?”
“It belongs to those who perform mitzvot,” replied G-d.
“And who does this storehouse belong to?”
“It belongs to those who raise orphans.”
(Midrash Rabbah 46)
My talk was part of a fundraising community dinner, which followed Friday night services. As part of it, I read from my book, answered questions, and signed a few books (though not sold them because it was after the start of Shabbat).
And as always, a few attendees stayed on to share with me their own adoptive experiences, and I listened, listened, and listened.
Lane Igoudin | Author, Professor, Dad 