Creating Family Traditions

To contact us Click HERE
Even before the Peanut was born, I knew it was important to me that our children have a sense of something else in the world besides themselves, a special place for family and the traditions of their ancestors. We don't keep kosher, but we have mezzuzot on every doorframe. Instead of temple on Saturday mornings we go to my own sacred place, the farmer's market. Since both my husband and I were raised in mixed families, we celebrate Christmas and Easter in addition to all of the Jewish holidays. And to bring every week to an end, we celebrate Shabbat.

Often we have wine. When I have the energy, we have challah. But every week we light candles. And something amazing has happened. On Friday night the three of us sat down to eat dinner at our dining room table, my husband, myself and our beautiful 16 month old. Before we started eating I stood and lit the three candles that my husband had set out for me. I covered my eyes and recited the blessing for lighting Shabbat candles adding on my own prayers and thanks before uncovering my face and smiling at my family. As we started eating my daughter pointed to the candles on the table, covered her own face singing her own little version of the prayer as she smiled and giggled. This is what I wanted. This is the beginning of a strong family tradition.