The Purpose of the Jewish Family

This section explains the nature and purpose of the Jewish Family. For Jews, the family is a fundamental institution, serving as the cornerstone for the faith and tradition. Regardless of the family structure, the core principles of Judaism influence how the family unit operates and supports the faith.

In Jewish teachings, the family is built upon several key values. These values shape the way members of the family interact with one another and with the broader community. Three foundational teachings are:

Kavod – This refers to respect and dignity, and it encourages family members to treat each other with kindness both inside and outside the home. It underscores the importance of honouring one another’s presence and roles within the family.

Chessed – This principle means loving-kindness, which promotes acts of love and compassion between people. In a Jewish family, this value emphasises the importance of helping and caring for one another.

Shalom Bayit – Translated as "peace in the home," this teaching encourages marital reconciliation and harmony within the household. It stresses the importance of maintaining a peaceful, stable environment for all members of the family.

The Purpose of the Jewish Family

The Jewish family has several important purposes, which are central to preserving the faith and ensuring its continuity across generations. These purposes are rooted in Jewish scripture and traditions.

Preserving the Faith
One of the primary roles of the Jewish family is to preserve the faith, ensuring the continuity of Jewish traditions and beliefs. In Judaism, it is ideal for both parents to be Jewish to pass on the faith to their children. This is especially significant in traditional communities where the maternal lineage holds a central place in determining religious identity. According to Orthodox Jews, Jewish identity is passed through the mother, meaning a child born to a Jewish mother is automatically considered Jewish. However, in Liberal or Progressive Jewish communities, the faith can also be passed through the father. This is a key point of discussion and difference among various Jewish movements.

Growing the Faith
The Torah (Jewish sacred text) contains the commandment: “Be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28), which many Jews interpret as a direct command from God to procreate and grow the Jewish community. The act of having children is seen not only as a personal joy but also as a religious duty, ensuring that future generations will carry forward the Jewish tradition. By raising children within the faith, parents play an essential role in the growth of the Jewish people and the continued practice of Jewish rituals and customs.

Raising Children in the Faith
A key responsibility of Jewish parents is to raise their children in accordance with the teachings of Judaism. This includes teaching children about the Torah, Jewish laws, and traditions, as well as encouraging them to participate in religious activities such as attending synagogue services and learning Hebrew for prayer and study.
According to Deuteronomy 6:6-7, parents are instructed to impress the teachings of the faith upon their children:
“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children.”
Jewish children are often taught to observe key rituals such as Shabbat (the weekly day of rest) and follow kashrut (Jewish dietary laws). Parents also encourage their children to attend Heder (Jewish religious schools) to study the Torah and other religious texts.

Lighting the Menorah during Hanukkah is one example of how Jewish parents teach their children about Jewish traditions at home, passing down customs from one generation to the next. Through these activities, Jewish families ensure the next generation is not only connected to their heritage but also fully engaged in living out their faith.

The Jewish family plays a critical role in preserving and transmitting the faith to future generations. With a focus on mutual respect, love, and peace within the home, Jewish families strive to raise children in an environment where they can learn and live out Jewish values. The responsibilities to preserve, grow, and raise children in the faith create a foundation for Jewish life, helping to ensure the survival and flourishing of the Jewish community for generations to come. Through shared rituals, such as the lighting of the Menorah and the celebration of Shabbat, Jewish families continue to nurture and sustain their traditions, instilling a sense of identity and belonging in their children.