Category: Welcoming & Raising Children

What I didn’t expect was how much fun it would be. Each time I dipped, and came up to speak my words, I smiled and laughed.

Ritual helps us pay attention. From the joy of a recovery to the grief of a funeral, ritual helps us inhabit the breadth of human experience.

How does an interfaith couple raising Jewish children create meaningful rituals that honor both partners’ heritage? This is a question that I asked myself when I became a parent and when I founded the Love & Tradition Institute.

Looking at a baby girl and feeling the joy of celebrating who she is and who she will become are wonderful experiences. A welcoming foot washing ceremony is one way of concretizing that joy.

Pun intended.  The popular press has recently reminded contemporary Jews that the continuation of brit milah (ritual circumcision), remains a challenge…and if you don’t believe me, ask any Jewish parent expecting a new son in the near future.