A Guide to Jewish Family Life
Judaism is not just a set of beliefs or a way of thinking about God. Judaism is a living tradition that invites us to participate in meaningful practices that help bring joy and purpose into our lives. Judaism is about doing. Here are a few ideas about how to bring meaningful Jewish practices into your family's life.
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Waking Up With GratitudeWhat? "Modeh Ani," the prayer for waking up in the morning.
When? Upon first waking or when waking your child. Who? Anyone who wants to start the day feeling great about being alive. Why? Waking up doesn't need to be an experience of anxiety and stress. By waking with gratitude for the miracle of life, we set a tone for our day that makes us feel good. The prayer helps us wake our children gently and lovingly. How? Don't curse the alarm clock when you get up. Instead, thank God! Say the words, "I am grateful before You, Source of life and all existence, who has returned my soul to me with love. Great is Your faithfulness." You can say or sing it in Hebrew or in English. |
מוֹדֶה/דָה* אֲנִי לְפָנֶיךָ מֶלֶךְ חַי וְקַיָּם שֶׁהֶחֱזַרְתָּ בִּי נִשְׁמָתִי בְּחֶמְלָה רַבָּה אֱמוּנָתֶךָ
Modeh/Modah* ani lefanecha, melech chai v'kayam, shehechezarta bee nishmati bechemlah. Rabah emunatecha.
I am grateful before You, Source of life and all existence, who has returned my soul to me with love.
Great is Your faithfulness.
* Men and boys pronounce the first word as "Modeh." Women and girls pronounce it as "Modah."
Play the audio file to listen to Dan Freelander and Jeff Klepper's musical setting for Modeh Ani.
Modeh/Modah* ani lefanecha, melech chai v'kayam, shehechezarta bee nishmati bechemlah. Rabah emunatecha.
I am grateful before You, Source of life and all existence, who has returned my soul to me with love.
Great is Your faithfulness.
* Men and boys pronounce the first word as "Modeh." Women and girls pronounce it as "Modah."
Play the audio file to listen to Dan Freelander and Jeff Klepper's musical setting for Modeh Ani.
Lighting Shabbat CandlesWhat? Shabbat candle lighting blessing.
When? On Friday evening before beginning the Shabbat meal. Who? Many families have a tradition of women lighting Shabbat candles, but it can be done by any and all family members. Why? Shabbat is a special time for family togetherness and finding peace at the end of a busy week. Lighting the Shabbat candles signals the moment when families can start to focus on each other and on the rest that comes with Shabbat. How? Place candles in candlesticks (most people use two, although some light one candle for each member of the family). Light the candles in any order and then recite the blessing in Hebrew or English: |
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בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יי אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל שַׁבָּת
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha'olam asher kideshanu bemitzvotav vetzivanu lehadlik neir shel Shabbat.
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Source of all being, who makes us holy with Your commandments,
and who commands us to light the candles of Shabbat.
Play the audio file to listen to the Shabbat candle blessing chanted.
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha'olam asher kideshanu bemitzvotav vetzivanu lehadlik neir shel Shabbat.
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Source of all being, who makes us holy with Your commandments,
and who commands us to light the candles of Shabbat.
Play the audio file to listen to the Shabbat candle blessing chanted.
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Bedtime ShemaWhat? Reciting the Shema at bedtime.
When? Every night before going to sleep or when tucking in your child. Who? Everyone who wishes to end the day with a feeling of peace and a reflection on God's unity all around us. Why? When we carry the troubles and concerns of our day into bed, we don't sleep well and we never learn to let go. Reciting the Shema at bedtime helps put things in perspective. Life is an incredible gift that we have received from God who is in everything and in everyone. That is why we are taught to speak these words "when you lie down and when you get up" (Deuteronomy 6:7). How? Lie down in bed with your eyes closed. Focus on being at peace with everything. Forgive everyone who has harmed you and wish forgiveness for yourself. Recite the words: "Hear, O Israel. Adonai is our God. Adonai is One." Feel God all around you. |
שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל יי אֱלֹהֵינוּ יי אֶחָד
Shema Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai Echad!
Hear, O Israel, Adonai is our God, Adonai is One!
Play the audio file to listen to Solomon Sulzer's melody for the Shema.
Shema Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai Echad!
Hear, O Israel, Adonai is our God, Adonai is One!
Play the audio file to listen to Solomon Sulzer's melody for the Shema.
