By Bracha Goetz
Udel was the daughter of a very great rabbi called the Baal Shem Tov.
When this story happened, she was the young mother of a delightful baby boy.
It was Rosh HaShanah, one of the very holiest days of the year, and Udel very much wanted to pray.
Udel gave her baby his breakfast.
Then she changed his diaper and put him in his little crib, hoping he’d take a nap so she could pour out her feelings in prayer.
But as soon as Udel opened her special Rosh HaShanah prayer book – her machsor – she heard her baby starting to cry.
Udel walked over and saw her baby standing up, holding onto the bars of his crib. There were tears running down his little cheeks.
But as soon as he saw his mommy, he stretched out his arms to her and gave her a great big, yummy smile.
Udel hugged him tightly and scooped him out of his crib.
As they cuddled together, his mommy told him his favorite story.
Then Udel played with her baby, and they laughed a lot together.
After that, Udel gave her son his lunch, and then he needed to have his diaper changed again.
Before long, it was time for everyone to come back from the synagogue – and Udel had never gotten the chance to pray.
She looked upward, and then she whispered, “I only have time for one short prayer, so I will pray for You, the Creator of our Universe.”
“My prayer for You is that you will have as much joy from all your children this year.”
“As You have given me from mine, “she smiled, hugging her baby close.
Bracha Goetz is the author of 41 Jewish children’s books that can be found in Judaica stores, on Amazon, and at www.goetzbookshop.com
May we all have the struggle of finding a time to pray being so busy with children!
This is exactly the reason that women aren’t obligated in davening (in the same way that men are).