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Religion is centered on the home By Shira Poliak Weinbaum Yeshiva High Important: This article was last updated on January 17, 2008. Please call ahead to confirm hours, prices, dates and other information.
I remember one of my brother's friends clearly. His father was the rabbi of a local synagogue, his grandfather the principal of a Jewish day school. His family — parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins — were observant and steeped in Jewish knowledge. As such, this boy often spent the holidays with his large extended family. A sense of warmth, knowledge and love pervaded his home. In addition, when a matter of Jewish law perplexed him, he was able to seek answers from his parents and grandparents and, with them, consult the sea of Jewish literature. My brother and I were enamored by his friend's comfort and familiarity with Jewish practices and religion because our family only recently had become more observant. While our 12-plus years of Jewish education have equipped us with the resources to relate to and understand our religion and the techniques to delve into its teachings, such lessons learned in school can never replace the practices and love imbued in the home. Many traditional religious practices are centered on the home. In Judaism, many rituals, such as keeping the Sabbath and celebrating the holidays, are practiced in a communal, familial setting and reflect the religion's emphasis on family. When whole families are observant and steeped in religious practices, these shared rituals and experiences create lasting memories and emotional connections. While I am not very familiar with Christian teachings, the portrayal I see of Christmas and other holidays reflects that religion's similar ties to history and family. When I think of Christmas, I imagine a family enjoying a festive meal, exchanging presents and praying together. My perception — heavily influenced by proverbial holiday movies — is of unity and warmth. In addition, familial units create a nurturing environment, in which believers can discuss, grapple with and learn more about their faith. Deep roots and family ties can strengthen one's personal religious connections and memories. My brother's friend's family has taught me a lot about religion. Their commitment to their religion and the warmth of their unity reminds me that religion is profoundly a family act, a practice based on memories and roots. |
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