This week's Grand Plan learning is lovingly dedicated in memory of Julia Jerusalmi, a remarkable woman whose life embodied the enduring strength of family. She carried generations of history with grace, warmth, and unwavering devotion, gifting them to future generations with joy. May all who were blessed to know Julia find comfort in the extraordinary legacy of love, family, and kindness she leaves behind. Min HaShamayim tenuhamu.
Starting something new usually means looking ahead, sometimes with enthusiasm. Sometimes with fear and anxiety.
A new school year.
A new home.
A new job.
A new chapter.
Beginning Sefer Devarim, the final book of the Torah, is surprising.
Moshe doesn't begin by looking forward, at all the potential ahead.
He begins by looking back. Before the Jewish people enter the Land of Israel, before they step into the future that has awaited them for forty years, Moshe gathers the entire nation and reminds them where they have been, what they have learned, and what they must never forget.
Perhaps that is one of the greatest lessons of grandparenting.
Legacy is not created by rushing toward the future. It is built by thoughtfully carrying the past into it.
If you have ever wondered why Devarim repeats so many stories we have already read, this is why. Moshe is not simply retelling history. He is intentionally choosing what the next generation most needs to hear.
He cannot say everything. So he says what matters most.
That may be one of the most important questions every grandparent can ask.
Not, "How can I tell my grandchildren everything?" But rather, "What do they most need from me right now?"
A toddler needs something different than a teenager. A grandchild leaving for university needs something different than one learning to read.
Summer itself is a season of transition. Many grandchildren are beginning new schools, new camps, new adventures, or simply growing into new stages of life.
What wisdom, encouragement, story, blessing, or tradition would be most meaningful to them today?
And perhaps an even deeper question:
When your grandchildren think of you years from now, what do you hope they will remember?
Not what you owned or accomplished.
But what you consistently gave them.
Your kindness, faith, curiosity, resilience, humor, Shabbat table, songs, values, laughter, love.
The values you lived.
Legacy is rarely built in one grand gesture. It is built through small, intentional moments, repeated over a lifetime.
How can I be intentional about legacy this week?
Joyful. Share a favorite family story this week that always makes you smile. The stories we tell become part of the stories our grandchildren tell.
Intentional. Complete this sentence: If my grandchildren remember one thing from me, I hope it is... Write it down. Then ask yourself how you can live that legacy this week.
Connection. This week I'm excited to introduce Grand Questions, new conversation prompts designed to spark meaningful moments across generations. These can be enjoyed at the table, on the phone, or on a walk. They should not be limited by people present, as anyone can enjoy these thoughtful conversations. When I introduced Grand Questions at my table, I anticipated a lot of eye rolling and silence from the teenagers. Instead there was raucous laughter, resurfacing of forgotten memories, and a feeling of unity. It was incredible. Here are two:
You may be surprised by the answers. More importantly, you may begin a conversation your grandchildren will remember for years to come.
Wishing you a Shabbat of joyful, intentional connection,
Rabbanit Sharona Hassan
Founder of Grand Plan
Did you listen to the Connecting Jewish Grandparents: The Grand Plan Podcast this week? Please listen, rate, review and share.
Spotify: bit.ly/JewishPodcast
Apple: bit.ly/JewishGrandApple
You can sponsor a weekly connection email or Connecting Jewish Grandparents podcast episode.
Use this learning in honor or memory of someone you love.
A parent.
A grandparent.
A child.
Whether celebrating a joyous life-cycle event or honoring the memory of those no longer with us, it is a meaningful way to connect the generations and mark a legacy.
If that speaks to you, I would be honored to include your dedication. https://grandplan.pro/profile/sponsorship
