Since we believe that the Torah was given by G-d, every letter is important. Pay attention to the wording: "was weaned" and not "she weaned him". We learn from here that ideally a mother should not force her child to wean, but instead, a mother should follow the lead of her child. (Sifsei Chachamim, on Rashi, in the name of the Maharshal) In the world of attachment parenting, this is referred to as "child-led weaning".
There are times when a child under the age of five years is not permitted to nurse. If a child over the age of two years stopped nursing for a period of three days and nights, he should not be permitted to resume nursing. Why? Jewish law prohibits an adult from drinking breast milk directly from the breast. (Adults are allowed to drink breast milk from a cup.)
Therefore, a child over the age of two years who has shown that he can do without nursing is not allowed to resume nursing. (There are exceptions, and a mother should consult a Rabbi if problems or doubts arise.) Conversely, if a child under the age of two years has weaned but wants to nurse again, he should be allowed, even if he has not nursed for three or more days.
A Time of Celebration
"...and Abraham made a great feast on the day Isaac was weaned."
-- Genesis 21:8
There are times when a child under the age of five years is not permitted to nurse. If a child over the age of two years stopped nursing for a period of three days and nights, he should not be permitted to resume nursing. Why? Jewish law prohibits an adult from drinking breast milk directly from the breast. (Adults are allowed to drink breast milk from a cup.)
Therefore, a child over the age of two years who has shown that he can do without nursing is not allowed to resume nursing. (There are exceptions, and a mother should consult a Rabbi if problems or doubts arise.) Conversely, if a child under the age of two years has weaned but wants to nurse again, he should be allowed, even if he has not nursed for three or more days.
A Time of Celebration
-- Genesis 21:8
Weaning is a time of celebration. Be sure to celebrate with your child, and let him or her know how proud you are. Gifts and treats are appropriate! The nursing years are just the first step. Now your child will learn the Hebrew alphabet and Torah, our gift from G-d. How exciting, indeed!
Credit: Thank you to my husband who spent time looking up sources and translating Hebrew.
Disclaimer: Nothing in this article, or any other article, on Jewish Families should be considered as a source of Jewish law. One should always consult a Rabbi.
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