Creating a Jewish Home (Part 2)

In my last post I tried to describe what a Jewish home was like. It is a wonderful, beautiful place, but in practical terms how can a home become a Jewish home?

Begin with the family.

Judaism places a great value on relationships, particularly family relationships. Begin by teaching and demonstrating love and respect for each other within the family. Make Jewish celebrations family events. Gather the children around while Mother lights the Shabbat candles. Encourage everyone to participate in the Passover seder. Attend synagogue services as a family. The more that the family bonds around Jewish events, the stronger the Jewish spirit of the home.

Give your home a Jewish look.

Begin by attaching a mezzuzah to the doorposts of you house. Contact your rabbi to learn how to perform this mitzvah properly. He may even be able to suggest a suitable ceremony to accompany the affixing of the mezzuzah. Invite family and friends to witness to event. Make it a significant occasion!

Mezzuzah

Set aside items for ritual use. Kiddush cups should only be used for kiddush. Have a separate set of candlesticks for Shabbat and Yom Tov. Try to obtain Judaica that is festive and attractive. It need not be expensive, but it should be special. Look for Jewish art to decorate your home. 

We found this picture at a synagogue sale.

"Go forth and Learn."

"Let your house be a meeting place for scholars...drink in their words thirstily." (Ethics of the Fathers 1:4) Learning is a vital part of being Jewish. Aside from providing required knowledge, study and learning have added benefits. It increases one's discipline and self-confidence. They strengthen the sense of morality, deepen an individual's spirituality and bond him to G-d, his loved ones and his fellow Jews. Take advantage of learning opportunities. Synagogues and other Jewish educational institutions often offer courses available to the public. Enroll your children in a Jewish educational program, either at your local synagogue or at a Jewish day school. Add good Jewish books to your library and set an example by reading regularly. And always remember the three primary rules of learning: 1. Practice. 2. Practice again. 3. Practice more! Use what you have learned.

See the World through Jewish eyes.

As you strengthen your own Jewish soul, you will gain an awareness of opportunities to grow and to practice Jewish values and mitzvot. When your family gathers for Shabbat you will find opportunities to learn and discuss Torah. A simple charity box placed in a convenient spot in your home makes giving tzedakah simple. Resources for living a Jewish life are everywhere, if you only look with "Jewish eyes." Over the years I have found Judaica everywhere. I have found Jewish books being sold by a local library that was clearing its selves of older books,  a seder plate at a thrift store, Jewish art at a synagogue rummage sale, Hanukkah decorations at a neighborhood craft shop. Finally seeing the world through Jewish eyes also means realizing in practical ways that we are partners with G-d in perfecting the world. It is a big task that can only be accomplished if everyone does the little things that are within his capabilities. Our sages remind us that we are not responsible to complete the task, but neither are we exempt from doing it!

A rabbi once told me that the Tradition teaches that "if we open a window the tiniest crack, Hashem will throw open the door." Once you begin to put the Jewish life into practice you will find, as I have, that G-d will be with you to reward your efforts. It is a lifetime commitment, but "let us begin!"

This article is posted in honor of my beloved wife, Ariella bat Ariyeh ha Cohen, in celebration of  the twenty-first anniversary of the creation of our Jewish home.

Related links:
More about mezzuzot (Chabad)
"Lessons of the Mezuzah" (United Synagogue)
Jewish Learning (Trans-denominational)
Orthodox Union