Reb Yaakov Kamenetsky’s daughter-in-law, Rebbetzin Itta Chaya, had three boys. Born back-to-back. A year apart. If you know, you know.
Three boys in a row means your house is basically a continuous wrestling match with no winner. It means you find creative hiding spots for breakables. It means you’ve said “We don’t jump on the couch!” so many times that the words have lost all meaning.
One day, Rebbetzin Itta Chaya was having lunch with Reb Yaakov. She shared how hard it was for her. Reb Yaakov listened. Then he said, gently: “Ober Itta Chaya, du host gevolt yingelach, But Itta Chaya, you wanted boys.” She understood. That’s how boys are. There was nothing wrong with them. Nothing wrong with her. It was the last time she ever complained.
Reb Yaakov wasn’t dismissing her struggle. He wasn’t saying “stop complaining.” He was filling in an important part of the puzzle. These children are the answer to your prayers. Exactly these. Ha-Shem has fulfilled your request precisely.
So the next time your best Shabbos tie is turned into a weapon, or you find peanut butter in places peanut butter should never be, or you’re wondering how one small human can generate that much laundry, or you just can’t believe you need to buy all of them new shoes again, stop and remind yourself:
Du host gevolt yingelach. This is what you, and me, and all of us who are blessed to be parents, wanted. Hashem gave you exactly what you asked for.
This article was found in Nekuda Tova Issue 60.
