I wrote what I believe is an unusual answer to a series at Kveller.com called “Why Be Jewish?”.
I have some strong beliefs about why I’m Jewish, but the answer I chose to focus on is probably a surprising one for a parenting site.
See, I don’t believe in “Jewish continuity” as a reason to be Jewish, but continuity is such a big focus of what happens in the organized Jewish community and even within Jewish homes. I don’t want my kids to be Jewish for me, just like I’m not Jewish for my parents. I don’t want them to join a synagogue for me. They shouldn’t light Shabbat candles or celebrate holidays for me, or for their father, or for their grandparents. Why should they? I tried to start that conversation in today’s piece.
And what happens if they decide to drop it all? I answered that question, too.
My short answer to the assignment was this: I am Jewish for me, not for my kids.
What the heck do I mean by that? I explain it here. And I bet some people will totally disagree. That’s cool. And so Jewish. Thanks for checking it out!
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