D'var Torah: The first word in this weeks' Torah reading,
ויקרא, ends with a small Aleph (the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet). What is the secret of this small Aleph? " The "small Aleph" refers to the Aleph-Beit (Hebrew alphabet) that is learned by small Jewish children. The small Aleph reveals that HaShem loves the children and holds dear their study of Aleph-Beit. The purity of young children learning Torah
before they reach the age of Mitzvot obligation, is the most precious thing to HaShem. When they learn the Aleph-Beit, their innocence, will, and joy awaken the greatest merit and compassion in Heaven, for them and the entire Klal Yisrael!
Moral: The simplest Torah learning of a Jewish child is the most beloved thing to HaShem, and the merit of Jewish children learning Torah upholds the world.
Application: Envision children learning the Aleph-Beit with their teacher. Sense their purity as they say each one of the holy letters, "א ב ג." Reflect on how much joy HaShem receives from the Torah learning of these holy children. Encourage, help, and praise Jewish children to study Torah.
(Based on the commentary of Be'er Yoseph)
