Secret to Longevity

The great moment of the exodus, finally arrives in this week’s Parsha. Hashem tells Moshe Rabbeinu that it is essential that this great story be told to future generations.

The Torah uses the words, למען תספר, “in order that you tell.” The Pasuk continues and is specific in saying that we must be certain that our children and grandchildren know all of the details of the magnificent miracles witnessed in Egypt.

The Torah uses the word, למען, “in order,” as part of the Shema prayer. It says there that if we keep the commandments, we will be granted long life.

The מעיינה של תורה connects the double usage of the word, למען. The connection is that if our sole reason for living is to teach our children and children’s children, the truth of our Torah and our glorious history, we will be granted long life.

This demonstrates the emphasis placed on Jewish education. If we make this our reason for living, we will be granted more years to complete this task of inspiring our younger generation.