Which rituals and traditions work in my family?
- Shabbat
- Enjoy a festive dinner that celebrates God's resting from all His work to create the world.
- Light and bless the Sabbath candles. The child can blow out the match.
- Bless the wine (Kiddush) and let the child drink grape juice from a special cup.
- Bless the child.
- Bless the challah (HaMotzi) and let the child rip the challah and pass pieces out to everyone at the table.
- Sing Shabbat songs.(Zemirot)
- Discuss the past week, the future week, upcoming celebrations, upcoming holidays, or the week's Torah portion.
- Synagogue
- Participate in prayer services.
- Kiss the Torah.
- Attend a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, and explain this Jewish coming of age ceremony to the child.
- Commemorate loved ones who have passed.
- Bedtime
- Recite the Sh'ma and other prayers.
- Listen to Jewish music.
- Read a Jewish story.
- Anytime
- Write and eventually give the child a letter from you, the parents, that was written at their baby naming, birthday, or Rosh Hashana. The letter can describe your feelings for the child.
- Recite appropriate prayers at fitting times. When the child eats a new food or gets a new toy, recite "Shehekheyanu."
