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“Suppose a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who does not listen to the voice of his father or mother. They discipline him, but he does not listen to them.” Deuteronomy 21:18, Tree of Life Version According to the sages, there never was, nor ever will be such a case that would resort to capital punishment of a wayward son (Sanhedrin 71a). Rather, the commandment is meant to instruct the parents, in regard to their responsibility in bringing up a morally responsible child. It is incumbent upon the parents to discipline their children in an appropriate manner, according to the values of Torah. Primarily, parents need to exhibit proper conduct in themselves, so that they can serve as role models to their children. Additionally, behavior modification is necessary when a child goes astray. This is done to correct faults, and guide the child along the way. The commandment may be understood as emphasizing the necessity of chastening a son who is in error on a moral level, in order to prevent him from worsening in moral laxity. Additionally, it is written elsewhere, “Train a child in the way he should go, and even when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). Based on the individual blessings that Jacob gave to each of his children, the sages teach that this adage implies the need to keep in mind each child’s unique individuality, when guiding them. “I’ll get up and go to my father, and I’ll say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your presence. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired workers.' And he got up and went to his own father. But while he was still far away, his father saw him and felt compassion. He ran and fell on his neck and kissed him." Lukas 15:18-20, Tree of Life Version The mashal (parable) of the prodigal son exemplifies the L’RD’s compassion toward us when we go astray. It also reflects the Talmudic saying that if we make an effort towards teshuvah (repentance), the L’RD will meet us halfway. This is shown by the father’s response in the mashal, while his son was “still a long way off,” the father, filled with compassion, went out to greet him. The prodigal son, as the mashal (parable) relates Luke 15:11-24), squandered his inheritance on reckless living. Being destitute, and subject to a famine in the land, he hired himself out to work in the fields, gathering husks for swine; yet, he hardly had enough substance for himself to survive. So, he returned to his father, requesting to be one of his servants, knowing that at least he would be able to put bread on his own table. Yet, his father’s response was overwhelmingly more than he had expected, who welcomed him home with a celebration. “‘For this son of mine was dead and has come back to life—he was lost and is found!'”(15:24). When we return from our wayward ways, to our Father in Heaven, in sincere teshuvah (repentance), He will welcome us with joy.