One should try with all his might to teach his children Torah. How good is his portion and how sweet is his lot if his children grow to become talmidei chachamim (Torah scholars)! At the very least, one should make every effort, with one’s entire soul and his whole being, that his children do not remain ignoramuses for their entire lives. And if one cannot help all his children to achieve the “crown of Torah,” at least he should have one sons become a talmid chacham whose sole occupation is Torah. Pour out your heart in prayer that your children be knowledgeable in Torah, and whole in their character and beliefs. Occasionally one should also fast over this, so that the parent’s sins should not prevent the good from reaching his children.
The love towards sons and daughters, as well, should be an extension of one’s love for Hashem. For the whole aim of having sons and daughters is that they do the will of Hashem. This should be your whole aim in your love for your children: to fulfill the commandment of your Creator, and in that way to bring Him pleasure.
