I have to admit that having another Jew read this made me nervous, Nina. I have so little formal education and I didn’t want to misrepresent Judaism; I just wanted to relay my own experiences. As you said, it is a responsibility to share our faith with others who have questions, and one I don’t take lightly.

Thanks for sharing some of your experiences here. I will have to check out Telushskin’s book; I bet it would be helpful for my kids too. As the fairly rare Jew, they are considered experts by their friends!

I relate to the bit about feeling more strongly Jewish in a non-Jewish environment. I grew up in a very Jewish area of Chicago, then spent my junior year abroad in Santiago, Chile where I lived with a Catholic family. They were wonderful and I had the best time. They were so religious and filled with faith that they had tons of questions for ME, the only Jew they’d really known. I felt a responsibility to answer intelligently so my parents sent me Joseph Telushskin’s helpful book Jewish Literacy–a thick tome which I read cover and cover and explained important bits IN SPANISH to my host family. Needless to say, I learned A TON. I grew up Jewish and strong in my identity but not very religious. I’m probably somewhere between Conservative and Modern Orthodox now. It all brings a lot of joy and depth to our family life.

Anyway, glad to meet your host friend here on MomCafe. We ladies of faith usually have more in common than not, no matter the faith.

Thank you for your comment, Catherine. Particularly in times of sorrow, being able to share your faith with your spouse is a blessing.

I agree with you that children are too young to choose their religion. But so many adults turn from the faith of their upbringing; my husband is a prime example. I’m not sure what makes some people continue to practice as adults and other to let it go, regardless of their childhood experiences. That would be interesting to study.

i really agree with you when it comes to raising children in faith. it has to be ingrained and second nature. they’re too young to decide on their own which religion they get to be a part of.

Our situations are actually pretty similar, Michelle. My husband didn’t feel strongly about his faith despite his strong upbringing, so it made our decision a natural one. I suppose there are always bumps in the road, but making the decision to raise our children in one faith prevents a lot of them.

I think being a good person with a good heart is key – that is what is most important. I can tell that you are your father’s daughter, Amber. xoxo

Your daughter and son-in-law are lucky to have support from you and your husband – I know not every family works that way. I’m sure your daughter knows more about Judaism than most Jews by birth (including me) do!