What is it Like Growing Up in a Religious Jewish Family in the US?

This is a broad question, and the experience can vary widely from family to family. While some aspects of growing up may share commonalities, many unique factors shape each individual's journey. For example, even non-Jewish families may have different experiences of growing up, influenced by their own cultural or religious backgrounds.

The Diversity Within the Jewish Community

Even within the Jewish community, experiences can differ significantly. The observance of Jewish holidays, dietary laws, and social activities can vary greatly depending on the specific household. My experience, and that of many other Jews, might not differ much from those of non-Jews, apart from the specific observances of Jewish traditions.

Observing Jewish Holidays and Customs

In my family, we observe the Jewish holidays, including Shabbat, and follow kosher dietary laws, which mean separate sets of dishes for milk and meat. Some Jewish families choose not to observe certain holidays such as Christmas and Easter, preferring to celebrate only those with personal or religious meaning.

The Exception of Halloween

For Halloween, my family took a somewhat unique approach. While some Jewish families do not celebrate Halloween, my parents allowed us to participate in trick-or-treating and celebrating Halloween because they believed it had largely lost its original religious meaning. They did this to prevent my siblings and I from developing negative emotions towards our faith due to feelings of exclusion.

Educational Experiences

Our family attended both a private Jewish day school for K-8 and a public school for high school, with additional Jewish education on weekends. This balanced approach allowed us to integrate into the broader society while also maintaining a strong connection to Jewish traditions and education.

Family Rituals and Gatherings

Meals and prayers were important parts of our family life. We would often have dinner together as a family rather than eating separately. Before going to bed, we would recite the Shema prayer as a collective family ritual. Additionally, we would attend synagogue on most Shabbats, reinforcing our connection to the community and our faith.

The Impact of History and Education

Being raised in a religious Jewish family also meant being exposed to the history and the legacy of the Holocaust, as well as the contemporary issues of anti-Semitism. This education differed from the experiences of non-Jewish families, where such history might not be as commonly discussed or emphasized.

Personal Reflections and Experiences

While my experience is similar to many other Jewish families, the specific values, lessons, and traditions learned can vary significantly. For example, a Christian background might teach different values or lessons than those imparted in a Jewish family. In my family, we were taught about the importance of community, resilience, and the resilience of the Jewish people.

Additional Insights

Related to the growth and experiences of a religious Jewish family, here are some additional reflections:

What do you do on Thanksgiving in your Jewish household? Can you describe a situation where you or a member of your family was treated with anti-Semitic attitudes? Do you celebrate both Christmas and Hanukkah? Conclusion

Ultimately, the experience of growing up in a religious Jewish family in the US is a unique blend of tradition, history, and modern life. While there are many commonalities, each family has its own distinct story shaped by their choices and experiences.