As a parent, you have twenty million things on your brain each day. And, I am sure "being Jewish" or "doing Jewish stuff with the kids" is on the list. But in the real world, it is easy for some things to get push to the bottom. So, I am here to share with you some of easy ways I have found to put being Jewish on your radar.
1. Try incorporating Jewish words/topics into your daily conversations with your kids. For example, instead of saying "TGIF" when you pick up the kids from school on Fridays, greet them with "Shabbat Shalom"----even if you know you will not have time that night to lights candles. Or, in the morning, wake your sleepy head with "Boker Tov" (Hebrew for good morning). And, when your child does something helpful around the house or treats a sibling with kindness, praise them by calling them a "Mensch".
2. Out of sight, out of mind------don't hide all the "Jewish things" you got at as a wedding gift. Put them on display in your home and let your children see them in a place of honor. Let them and everyone who visit your house that you live in a Jewish home. A great idea from my boss is to even make sure your ritual objects are at "kid level"---whatever height your child is currently.
3. Do a "drive by". Find an excuse to drop by your local synagogue (even if you are not a member) on your way to baseball, soccer or a music lesson. Drop off coins in their tzedakah box, donate can foods for their food drive, say hello to the rabbi or cantor. Anything that works for you to show your kids that this is "their" temple and it's fun and easy to visit.
4. Give responsibility to someone ELSE--now that your candlesticks are at kid level, why not give your child the "job" of pulling them out each Friday morning before s/he leaves for school? It will remind you when you come home that evening to light them. How about another job of polishing the kiddush cup, or bringing home the challah on Fridays from school or from a bakery? Kids love "jobs", especially when rewarded with a sticker on chart or even a special hug for a job well done.
These are just some ideas, I hope they help. It's not hard to put Judaism on you radar, sometimes you just need to be a little creative.
