How to incorporate Judaism into your every day family routine

When I was younger (about ages 12 to 19) Judaism was very important to me and I incorporated into my daily life.  There was a time I even kept Kosher and possibly wanted to be a Rabbi.  From my 20s to 30s I lost some of my Jewishness and now that I have children I am feeling it coming back.  It is important to me to instill Jewish values and rituals into my children; and later what they decide to do with that is up to them. 

The Jewish religion is full of routines.  In raising young children you almost have to have some routines in order to function; even if they are not planned routines. In order to get out the door and to work/ school we must get up, get dressed, eat breakfast, make lunches, brush teeth and hair, gather all our stuff together and get everyone buckled in car seat and on our way and hopefully arrive on time.  This getting out the door routine can be a real crazy especially if there is a meltdown or two, a diaper explosion or projectile vomiting which may or may not require a change of clothes for me and the baby; which happens quite often in our house.  Routines are healthy for you young children.  It establishes habits such as washing hands.  Routines that are predictable and consistent give children a sense of security.  But what I feel is especially nice about incorporating Judaism into my daily routine is that it gives me and hopefully those around me a sense of peace.

Here are a few things you can do:
Morning:
1.  Say a quick morning prayer or read a morning book such as Boker Tov!  Good Morning.  By Joe Black and Rick Brown
*This gets you ready to start a new day and gives every appreciation for the day.

2.  Say the blessing over bread before eating (Motzi)
*  This forces everyone to wait a moment after the food is in front of you to gain appreciation for the food.  It also stops you for eating so quickly, which is better for your digestion and you tend to just eat what you need.

Afternoon:
1.  Say the Shema before nap.
* This signals your body that it is time to rest.  It is a daily remember that we are Jewish. 

2.  Listen to Jewish music as they are napping. 
*  It is peaceful to sleep to soft music and Jewish music can also teach your child Jewish concepts.

Night:
1.  Wash hands before eating; say the blessing and don't talk until you say Motzi.  (ahh...a moment of silence in your day would be nice)
*  Washing you hands is important to do before you eat to protect yourself against germs.  The blessing is a reminder that you are putting your hands on a higher level by washing them. 

2.  Say the blessing over bread before eating (Motzi)

3.  Say a blessing after you eat (Birkat Hamazon)
*Saying the blessing after you eat is a reminder to be thankful for everything we have.

4.  Before bed talk about what everyone was thankful about in their day.
*It is a great closure for the day.  It teaches children appreciation and as a parent it is also nice to hear the things that your child are appreciative for.

5.  Say the Shema

6.  Play Jewish music to fall asleep too.

Shabbat (Friday night and Sat)
1.  Have a Shabbat dinner or say the Motzi.
* Separates out the week and make this night more special than any night in the week.

2.  Light the Shabbat candles.
*The light welcomes in the Sabbath.

3.  Have a no TV day on Sat.
*Another way to make the Sabbath different and creates more family time.

There are many things you can do to enrich your family's life with Judaism.  Even adding a just a few things you will add a sense of peace in your family. 
If you are interested in gaining more ideas or details please join Lyn and I for a brown bag lunch and a free class about incorporating Jewish rituals into your daily routines on Oct. 20th for 12pm - 1pm in the religious school auditorium.