by Rav Simcha Klein
1. It is important to remember that instilling emunah in children’s hearts and minds is an accumulative process that lasts throughout the childhood years.
2. See Igros Moshe (Y.D. 3:76) who states that as soon as children are old enough to be cognizant of their unique relationship with their parents, which can even be prior to their ability to speak, they should be informed that Hashem is the Creator and Sustainer of the world and all its inhabitants.
3. See Igros Moshe (Y.D. 3:76) at length on how vital it is that children from an early age should perceive Hashem as the epitome of benevolence, because children who are cognizant of Hashem in such a way will be more enthusiastic about heeding and fulfilling Hashem’s will when they grow up.
4. Based on Rav Shlomo Volbe Z”L (Zireya U’Binyan B’Chinuch p. 39)
5. Rav Yaakov Kamanetsky Z”L would point to the unpredictability of rainfall as a means to discern Hashem’s authority over nature.
6. Articulation helps solidify a concept in a child’s mind. Dovid HaMelech expressed this concept saying “He’emanti Ki Adaber” (Tehillim 116:10). See also Yesod Havodah (Letter 17).
7. It is extremely important for parents to constantly point out to thier children the wonders of nature and connect it to Hashem. The book Designer World by R’ Avroham Katz of Gateshead can be a very useful resource on this topic. A good time to discuss niflos haboreh with children may be at the Shabbos seudah.
8. Yeshaya HaNavi used this method as it says (ישעיה מ,כו) שְׂאוּ מָרוֹם עֵינֵיכֶם וּרְאוּ מִי בָרָא אֵלֶּה -. See also Rabeinu Yonah (end of 4th perek of Berachos) who elaborates on the idea that Hashem’s presence is revealed in this world via the wonders of nature.
9. This may be more appropriate for older children.
10. Tzemach Tzedek (Derech Mitsvosecha, Yisro, Hamanas Elykus) posits that the very existence of a Life Force is indicative of Hashem’s being.
11. This assertion was made by the Medrash (Beraishis Rabbah 39). These words of the Medrash were true then in the ancient world, and are still true thousands of years later in our advanced modern era.
12. The writings and books of Rav Avigdor Miller Z”L are a precious resource on this topic. See also Chayei Olam (by the Steipler Gaon Z”L) who details at length the intricate design and precision evident in the various parts of the human body.
13. See Zireya U’Binyan BaChinuch (p. 39) why in today’s day and age it is not a good idea to say Hashem is in the sky. He also advises not to say “Hashem is in with us in the room” for this can frighten a child when he is alone.
14. When a child questions why Hashem can’t be seen, explain that seeing Hashem would simply be too overwhelming.
15. Rav Shimshon Pinkus (Shaarei Emunah) explains that otherwise the child will perceive the fact that he has no eyes and ears as a lack on Hashem’s part. The same is true regarding all human faculties in contrast to Hashem.
16. See Rambam (Yesodei HaTorah 2:8).
17. When children question who made Hashem, reply that “Hashem always was”.
18. As it says – .הצור תמים פעלו כי כל דרכיו משפט (דברים לב,ד)
19. As it says – .כי גבהו שמים מארץ כן גבהו דרכי מדרכיכם ומחשבותי ממחשבותיכם (ישעיה נה,ט)
20. Rav Akiva Eiger Z”L (Gilyon HaShas on Berachos 25b) compiled a list of tens of times that Rashi states simply – “I don’t know” in his commentary.