1. Each year, children gather together several times, including a gathering, which like the present one, is held at the end of the summer.1 Since, as the Baal Shem Tov taught, everything which a Jew sees or hears is a lesson for him in the service of G‑d, such a gathering will surely produce lessons which we can apply in our service.

The service of G‑d is a fundamental matter for each Jew as the Mishnah teaches, “I was only created to serve my Creator.” This applies also to young children who serve G‑d through the study of Torah and the fulfillment of mitzvos. Indeed, at times, we see that they dedicate themselves to the fulfillment of the mitzvos with a deeper commitment than adults.

A child does not disguise his true feelings; what he says reflects the way he feels. Thus, when a child states, “I was only created to serve my Creator,” he means what he says. Indeed, parents and teachers are often positively influenced by the depth of commitment which children show. To emphasize the importance of this “childlike” commitment, G‑d refers to the entire Jewish people as His “children.”

The oneness of the commitment of Jewish children reflects G‑d’s oneness. Through following the directives of “the one Torah,” we can draw this oneness into the world, bringing about “one day,” making each day full with faith in G‑d and observance of His Torah.

Furthermore, following the Torah will reveal the unity of the Jews. G‑d looks on all Jews as equals. He does not differentiate between adults and children and considers all Jews as His “children.” Through Torah practice, this inner unity will be expressed openly.

This will bring about a reward that reflects oneness, the ultimate Messianic redemption when the Jews will proceed to Eretz Yisrael, to Jerusalem, and to the Beis HaMikdash.2 The Beis HaMikdash will contain the holiest place in the world which was entered only once a year by one individual, the High Priest.3

Within each Jew, there is also a “Holy of Holies” where the Divine Presence rests. Every Jewish child knows this and reflects this in his behavior by saying Modeh Ani each morning — thanking G‑d for returning his soul — and then, by washing negel vasser. This grants him pure hands which enable him to carry out his daily behavior in a pure manner.

Also, as a reflection of the awareness of G‑d’s presence, each child should have a siddur, a chumash, and a tzedakah pushkah in his room. This will transform his room into a Sanctuary, a place where the Divine Presence rests.

2. As is customary, this gathering can be connected to a lesson from this week’s Torah portion, Parshas Re’eh and in particular,4 from the portion of the Torah connected with the present day, the second aliyah. Re’eh means “see.” It reflects how each Jewish child has the potential to “see” how “everything was created through His speech,” as we say in the blessing recited over water and other foods.

In particular, the second aliyah of Parshas Re’eh describes the manner in which the Jews live in Eretz Yisrael5 and how they offer sacrifices6 in the Beis HaMikdash.7 This reinforces our faith that in the very near future, Mashiach will come and we will proceed to Jerusalem and “see” the Beis HaMikdash actually rebuilt. Each day, we must believe that Mashiach is coming.8 For example, at present, we must expect him to come in time for us offer the afternoon sacrifice before the sun sets.

This lesson can be taken further: A Jew must “see” how everything in his life can be used as a sacrifice for G‑d. This is reflected in the command, “And you shall love the L‑rd, your G‑d, with all your heart,... and with all your might.” Our Sages interpreted the latter phrase as, “with all your money.” A Jew’s full-hearted love of G‑d should be reflected in his desire to give his property to tzedakah for G‑d’s sake.

“Tzedakah is great because it brings close the redemption.” The time for the redemption has already arrived and its revelation will be hastened by Jewish children’s full hearted gifts to Tzedakah.

3. This gathering will be concluded by making each one of you a shliach to distribute money to tzedakah. You will all receive three coins, two to use as you desire, and a third to be given to tzedakah. [In the merit of the children, these coins will also be given to the adults who are here.] Giving the third coin to tzedakah will elevate the two you keep for yourselves and reflect the merit of Tzedakah upon them.

[In this context, we can understand the association of the mitzvah of tzedakah with the command, “And you shall love the L‑rd, your G‑d,... with all your might,” as “with all your money.” On the surface, the Torah does not require a person to give all his money away for tzedakah. However, the money which one does give elevates all one’s holdings and it is considered as if G‑d is being served, “with all your money.”]

Tzedakah “brings close the redemption.” Hence, we should conclude with the niggun, Sheyibaneh Beis HaMikdash. May the merit of these three coins bring the Third Beis HaMikdash9 and may it be in the immediate future.