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| Hi Slovie
I am a Jewish woman, blessed with a wonderful husband and seven year old son. I was raised without Orthodox customs, prayer, rhythms. Slowly I am taking on more - stricter Kashrut, keeping Shabbat more and more. My husband is Jewish but not interested in becoming more observant. He says our basic prayers on Shabbat and attends shul on Shabbat mornings, but he does this only because it is meaningful for me (and he sees that it can be good for our son). How do you suggest that I continue to move toward observing Torah law? For example, it is hard for me to demand that my son not watch television on Shabbat when my husband will watch later in the day. I should mention that I am also somewhat ambivalent about these changes. It is scary and new and I just don't know HOW to do this!
Thank you very much for your time and consideration,
Marcia |
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Reply: |
| I admire your quest to transmit your heritage to your child. True, it is more difficult to begin without having been raised with traditions and knowledge, but that is exactly how Abraham and Sarah began; so don't be afraid. They have paved the way for you, they are your Bubby and Zaidy!You are right-these traditions are good for your son. Children raised with faith and tradition grow up with awareness of G-d, greater respect, and a sense of connection not only to family, but also to thier people and G-d. As for bringing traditions and rituals home-there is one word that you used that makes all the difference."demand"-if you present Judaism as demands you are missing the point. It is really that the mitzvot (commandments) are a source of beauty and peace both within the home and within ourselves. Bring the beauty of the rituals home:involve your son in shabbos preparations, make it fun , invite over guests, prepare special dishes,have shabbos treats, make a chanukah party, light the menorah together,...it's all how you present it. As for your taking on more mitzvot, it would be a good idea to join a warm, close knit 'shule' (synagogue), and meet other young involved parents and families. A trip to the local jewish bookstore with your son would yield a treasurehouse of information. Once your husband sees the joy that faith and tradition brings, he will slowly climb on board-who could resist ? best wishes for mazel and blessing as you rediscover your roots, slovie |
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