Eighth in a year-long series exploring Jewish Family Education and the ways in which your family can experience Judaism together.

"May the Lord bless you from Zion; may you share the prosperity of Jerusalem all the
days of your life, and live to see your children's children. May all be well with Israel."-

- Psalm 128:6

Bubbes and Zaydes, do not turn the page! This one is for you...

Rest stops:

As a grandparent, create an environment in your home that will encourage your
grandchildren to come over and "hang out." You need not always be going on
outings—sometimes grandchildren just want to be close to you. Your grandchild

will form positive Jewish memories that are associated with the warmth and care

of your home if you:

We have spent many months discussing the role of the family in the transmission
of Jewish values and knowledge. For the most part, family has been defined as the

individuals with whom we live. However, it would be an oversight if we did not
devote some time to understanding and appreciating the role that grandparents can

and should play in the Jewish lives of their grandchildren.

• Bake together

• Do crafts together

• Look through photo albums together

• Set the Shabbat table together

Tour guides:

• Read Jewish stories together

Grandparents can often be the best Jewish tour guides for their grandchildren. They

At the Intersection:

should not only be used as babysitters, but also as resources. When they are asked

(and sometimes even when they are not!), grandparents possess answers to crucial

questions about why we are the types of Jews that we are. They are an important
piece of our genetic puzzle. Here are some good questions to start with:

• What synagogue did you grow up in? Why was that one chosen?

• Tell me a little bit about your Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Was it a meaningful experience?

• What was my Mom/Dad like as a kid?

Multi-generational activities are opportunities to not only have a

good time as a family, but to convey an important message
about the value of family time. Spend a few Sundays creating a

family tree. Have Bubbe and Zayde bring over old pictures; have

Mom and Dad work on the computer; and have the kids cut

and paste. Together you can create a family heirloom that will

not only establish your roots, but that will establish the impor-
tance that the future be grounded in a historical context.

• What was/is your favorite Jewish holiday? Why?

Roadblocks:

Luggage:

In a society such as ours, which is often so rushed, we have lost
the art of storytelling. Very few people have the patience or the

time to sit and listen to reminiscences of generations passed. This
is a shame. Devote some time as a family to sit and listen to the

stories of your grandparents. Not only are they often entertaining,

but they are also insightful. This teaches children the importance

that history can play in our daily lives. If possible, record these conversations

(either by videotape, tape recorder or in writing). These stories are small treasures
that can be tucked away and carried everywhere.

"Whenever we leave my kids with my parents/in-laws, they return
with more toys than I know what to do with. I am not certain

that they understand how we are trying to raise our children."
Then share your philosophy with them! Perhaps your parents/in-

laws are spoiling your children because they feel as if that is the

only avenue that has been left open for them. Include them in the

rationale behind the messages that you are trying to transmit to your children.

Ask them for feedback. And encourage them to join you in your efforts to raise

committed and caring Jews.

"Your own offspring teaches you reason."

—Talmud: Yebamoth 63

Written by Amy Wagner, M.A.J.C.S.

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Bloomfield Hills, MI 48303-203 i
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"Take a Jewish journey with J.E,F.F." is a monthly addition to the Detroit Jewish News.

