Maggi315: How do you handle all the daily needs of so many children? I feel so overwhelmed dealing with 5 kids every day and become easily frustrated dealing with all their needs each day.
Rabbi Shmuley: My kids are all sitting around me listening to this webchat. (I let them stay up late because they don't have school tomorrow.) I confess that it's not always easy addressing all their needs, but it is certainly always rewarding. The fact is that I adore being a father. I LOVE it. I'm not just saying that for public consumption. Even when I'm pulling my beard out with all the pressures of having 8 kids dance around me, five minutes later I'm restored to the blissful state of just adoring being a parent. Whenever I go to historical places, I love teaching my kids to revere the place they're in. I love imparting my passion to them. I love seeing them grow up. Just tonight, I took all my kids to the grave of a famous rabbi who died 12 years ago, where we all prayed. My little 11 year old daughter shamed me. While I prayed for personal things - the success of a show or a book - she honestly prayed that G-d give food to all the hungry people. My children teach me goodness.
TLC: Rabbi Shmuley, thank you for sharing your insight and advice with us tonight. Do you have any final comments to make, before we close?
Rabbi Shmuley: I love all of you for your kindness to me, for the beautiful warm comments you've sent to me through this entire television season. You've touched my heart. I really feel we've built a "Shalom in the Home" community of people who have made a vow to themselves that whatever else they may fail at in life, they will not fail with their families. It's a pleasure to be part of so blessed a community. G-d bless you all, and please always stay in touch. If you want to communicate with me, you can always check my website at www.shmuley.com.
TLC: Well, thanks for joining our live chat. Stay tuned to TLC.com/shalom for more "Shalom In the Home" exclusive video, photos and more.