In a personal interview on the podcast "Shomer Saf," Finance Minister and Religious Zionism chairman Bezalel Smotrich described how he reacted when one of his sons asked to get an earring. He said he tries to raise his children with love, a hug, and trust, rather than turning external symbols into a battle.
Smotrich told host Gadi Taub that he does not remember his own father ever arguing with him about whether to get up for prayer, and that he follows the same approach with his children. He said his children differ in personality and life choices, noting that one older son, who was injured in the army, went on to a yeshiva, while a younger son did not attend high school and chose to wear earrings.
According to Smotrich, the son approached him at age 14 or 15, unsure how his father would respond, and said, "Dad, I want an earring." Smotrich said he asked whether the boy thought it looked good and whether he would like himself with it, and when the boy answered yes, he took him that same day to get the piercing and paid for it.
Smotrich stressed that, in his view, this was not a central parenting issue. He said he certainly wants his children to follow his path and keep Torah and commandments, but added, "Do I force them? There is no such thing. I do not believe in that. The Torah we study does not believe in that. I very much want my children to follow my path, I do not force it on them."
