A FINAL WORD

According to a midrash (Midrash Shir HaShirim 1:4) God would give the Torah to Israel only if the Jews first provided a guarantor who would prove that they would continue to observe the Torah. First the Israelites offered their holy ancestors, the Patriarchs and Matriarch, as guarantors. But God would not accept it. Then, they suggested the prophets, people of passion and vision. But still, the Holy One was not satisfied with their suggestion. Finally, the Israelites said that their children would be guarantors of their observance and veneration of the Torah. This, God accepted.
Often, people begin to articulate their values when they become parents. Striving to make Judaism come alive for our children may be the act that moves us to rediscover our heritage for ourselves. As we transmit Torah to the next generation, we may confront it for the first time on an adult level. As we pass the Torah to our children, we are touched by our inheritance and can understand that the words of Torah are, indeed, richer than milk and sweeter than honey.

Here are some book suggestions relating to Shavout:
A Torah is Written, by Paul Cowan
Torah Rhymes & Riddles, by Shoshanah Lepon
Eve and Her Sisters, by Yona McDonough
Bible Stories for Little Children, by Betty Hollender
Does God Have a Big Toe?, by Rabbi Marc Gellman
Ruth: A Woman Whose Loyalty Was Stronger than Her Grief, by Marlee Alex
Milk and Honey: A Year of Jewish Holidays, by Jane Yolen
One Minute Bible Stories, by Shari Lewis
Torah Series, by Sheryl Prenzlau