Many Jewish parents have the custom of bringing their young “Upsherin boys” to a Rebbi (Jewish Teacher) to begin the study of Torah.1 The Rebbi introduces the young boy to the Aleph–Bet (Jewish alphabet).
This custom is based on the words of the Midrash,2 which compares a young child to a tree growing in Eretz Yisroel (Land of Israel). Just as one may not eat the fruit of the tree during its first three years of growth, so too a child is not able to fully express themselves verbally during the first three years of his life and only in the fourth year does he sanctify himself to God with the words of Torah.
Introduction To The Alef-Bet
The Rebbi begins teaching the child the Aleph-Bet (Jewish alphabet). As he gently shows the boy the letters of the Aleph-Bet, he pours honey over the sacred letters, allowing the young soul to taste the sweetness of our Holy Torah!3
This ceremony is done in a celebratory manner with the young boy dressing in his particularly nice and clean4 clothing, and the Rebbi and father singing (and often dancing) with him. Very often, the parents supply the young boy with sweets that he distributes to the students of the class, depicting the joy and sweetness of this cherished moment.5
Utilize This Special Time
The Kol Bo6 writes that the day a father brings his child to begin the study of Torah is as special as if he stood his son at Har Sinai (Mount Sinai) to receive the Torah from God!
It is customary for the father to wrap the boy in a shawl (traditionally a Tallit) and lovingly carry him to the Cheder (Jewish boys’ school) in order that he refrains from seeing any impure sights from his haircut until his introduction to Torah.7
Planting The Seeds
On this day, the parents should pour out their hearts in prayer that their child succeeds in the study of Torah, the service of God, and the observance of His mitzvot!
Rav Boruch Ber Leibowitz (1862 – 1939) was the illustrious Rosh Yeshiva (Dean) of the Kaminetz Yeshiva in Lithuania and one of the greatest Torah teachers of his time. As he accompanied his young grandson to the Cheder (Jewish boys school) for the first time, his joy was so great that the sage lifted his grandson on his shoulders and danced him all the way there!
>> Read Upsherin Part 6: The Upsherin Education
By Rabbi Mayer Smith
Upsherin Part 6 Sources:
1 Rema Yoreh De’ah 345:4 and Biur Hagra
2 Midrash Tanchuma Parashat Kedoshim 14
3 Kol Bo 74
4 This custom resembles the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai where the Jews were instructed to wash their clothing. Kol Bo and Machzor Vitri
5 Shach Yoreh De’ah 345:8
6 Kol Bo 74
7 Sefer Rokeach 296 and Kav Hayashar 72
