SPECIAL COMMENTARY What's Jewish About Mother's Day? T ings. As you choose the rituals that you will enact this Mother's Day — flowers, he. American holiday of dinner, phone call, card — consider the Mother's Day began in the ways in which you can deepen the cele- late- 49th century. Some say bration through these reflections: it began in Michigan, oth- 1. Meditate or reflect for a moment on ers in West Virginia. In both states, each of the following words and how there were women who felt that a day of acknowledging motherhood wo-al-4-. , , , they connect you to your mother: spark a moral revival. In 1914, Moth- - • protection er's Day became an American national • independence holiday and, shortly after, it started • guidance • nurturing being celebrated around the world. - Long before that, though, the Jew- '• 2. For those of us whose mothers are ish people stood at the foot of a desert tic) longer with us, Mother's Day is a time to remember and to mark the life mountain and heard the Divine words and dreams of our mothers. Take time "Honor your mother and father" spo- to reflect on the legacy that your ken as part of the Ten Command- mother has left behind and the ways ments. Some would say that that day in which your life continues the values was the first Mother's Day (and that she lived by. Father's Day, too). Our tradition is filled with rever- 3. Mother's Day is also a time of reflec- tion for mothers themselves. No text, ence for mothers: "My child ... do not traditional or contemporary, can capture walk away from the wisdom of your the experience of all mothers, but here mother, for it will be a sign of grace are two Jewish texts on which you upon your head." (Proverbs 1:8-9) might reflect to mark this day: When you think "Jewish mothers," "Let my soul be in all things like two thoughts might pop into your the earth ... She is generous; she nur- mind. First come the Four Matriarchs tures and clothes all creation; she gives — Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah space to let others build their homes — all women who experienced strug- and adorn themselves; she showers all gle and heartbreak as they overcame with untold wonders." (Korban Minha life's obstacles. Second come the old jokes: "I'd Siddur, Vilna 1910) ... she surveys a field and buys it, rather sit in the dark," "My son, the she plants a vineyard with her hands; doctor," "Oedipus shmedipus, at least she radiates strength, her arms flexed; he loves his mother ..." - she stretches her hand to the needy ... Yet somewhere between the worlds she opens her mouth with wisdom, a of piety and comedy, Jewish mothers Torah of kindness is on her lips ..." are the women who have nurtured, (adapted from Proverbs 31) instructed, supported and challenged us. So hearts and flowers don't go far 4. Consider taking some time this enough. To honor mothers "Jewishly" Mother's Day to go through the pho- tographs or other mementos that you is to celebrate the real women whose have of your children's lives. love and wisdom guide us. CLAL-The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership has under- This was written by the fruity of CLAL — The National Jewish Center for taken a project to infuse American holi- Learning and Leadership. day traditions with deeply Jewish mean- New York ,• Aft,NA••••.•,, • If they're old enough to get married, they're old enough to get their own Jewish News. If you have family or friends who are marrying, consider giving them a subscription to The Detroit Jewish News. It's the community's "book of why." With it, they'll keep in touch with Jewish life. Interesting articles about their heritage, the holidays, current events and politics. Plus art, literature, dance, kosher cooking...who's having a baby, who's having a bar mitzvah and who's passed away. Give your newlyweds...or any family and friends who want to stay in touch, a useful way to do it. Give them The Detroit Jewish News by calling (248) 354-6620 today. I'd like to send a 52-week Jewish News gift subscription _Plus 5 free issues of Style Magazine A$72 value ...J 'ust $48 ($65 out of state) Please bill me Payment Enclosed Card No. MasterCard Visa ❑ Exp. Date Signature (Required) I Your Name I Your Address I Your City State Zip Phone I Gift Card Message: REMEMBERING from page 46 I Send the Gift Subscription to: Name Address City Phone Mail to: Detroit Jewish News, P.O. Box 2267, Southfield, MI 48037-2267 State Zip DETROIT JEWESS NEWS Phone: (248) 354-6620 I Fax: (248) 354-1210 I Allow 2-3 weeks delivery of The Detroit Jewish News %TN 5/12 2000 48 I. OLDN6H In Europe early in World War II, opinion was by no means completely opposed to the idea of a Nazi Europe or an imaginary Europe based on race. Elements of that view continue today in the new Europe, and similar utopian dreams and national/racial visions are alive in the former Soviet Union, Africa and in East and South Asia. The world is different than yes- terday, but the world has not changed completely. Capitalism spreads unevenly globally — creating, liberat- ing and empowering, but also dislodg- ing and uprooting. Visions of bigoted nationalism and dark anxieties about mixing with strangers compete uneasi- ly with more cosmopolitan ideas about humanity and brotherhood. On a day like this then, we say, and insist, that the Holocaust is a caution- ary tale about what modern states and humans can do — and that others can permit to happen. By study and remembrance, we express a faith and hope that we will find ways to stand against such occurrences and for humanity in the future. ❑