Maryland Babies

Raising our child Jewish

Hello!
I'm a very spiritual but nonreligious FTM to be due in dec. My husband is jewish and we've decided to raise our children Jewish.
I have no idea how this is done and he rarely practices so he doesn't know either. Any direction/advice would be greatly appreciated!
We would have to attend a pretty liberal congregation as I do not intend to convert as of now.
Thanks so much!

Re: Raising our child Jewish

  • Where are you located?  I would suggest starting out by joining a reform synagogue where you can expose yourselves and your children to the holidays and begin to learn about the religion.  Many have wonderful children's programs like Tot Shabbats and other events.  When the time comes to start preschool there are some wonderful Jewish preschools that do just as wonderful a job educating the parents as the children.  They often pride themselves on being multi-cultural with students from all different backgrounds.

     

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    lovelylittleworld
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  • Of course - if you are having a boy all of this starts with a bris.  Again, if you let me know where you live I might be able to recommend a moyle.  At the bris, you will give your child his Jewish name.  (A girl would have a Jewish name as well.)  This often honors a deceased relative and can be very special to choose.  If you connect with a moyle or rabbi in the coming months they can likely give you some guidance.
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    lovelylittleworld
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  • Thank you so much! I live in federal hill. We're thinking of moving to Carroll county next year. I would greatly appreciate any recommendations you could give us!
  • imageheynineteen:
    Thank you so much! I live in federal hill. We're thinking of moving to Carroll county next year. I would greatly appreciate any recommendations you could give us!

    Absolutely!!  At the end of the day I guess the answer isn't so different from any religion (aside from needing to arrange for a bris early on) - but I can understand how it might seem very foreign if it's not something you were raised around.  For a mohel, even if you're in Federal Hill I would start with Rappaport.  He's wonderful and one of two of three no brainers in the area.  He's a lovely person and has a younger take on things.  His website is also very helpful: https://mazeltovitsaboy.com/index.html

    Unfortunately I'm not much good for a synagogue outside of the Pikeville and HoCo areas; but hopefully someone else will chime in.  At the end of the day, though, I'd recommend just finding a handful in the area and going to visit.  You'll get a feel for what works for you.  Good luck!

     

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    lovelylittleworld
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  • I'm following your post.  I'm Catholic and my husband is Jewish.  Neither of us are very religious, but both of our parents are (interesting wedding!).   We decided to raise them and expose them to both religions.  The trouble is, there is not a large Jewish population around here.  Whenever I want to buy wrapping paper for Hanukkah or something similar, I have to drive all the way to Bethesda.  
  • We live in the Annapolis area and are members of a conservative synagogue in Annapolis. We do practice and we try to incorporate Jewish learning into our son's life when we can (granted, he is only 16 months old). We plan to send him to the nursery school there next school year (it's only 2 days a week). We used a mohel that we absolutely loved (he also did both my nephews). PM me if you are interested in his informaiton once you find out what you are having! We will definitely be using him again if this #2 baby turns out to be another boy.

    I'd be happy to answer any questions or be of any help. I grew up in a congregational church and converted before we had our son, so I know how it is to be on both sides Smile

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  • I'd just like to second Rabbi Rappaport.  We're not Jewish (not even close), but we wanted our child circumcised at home.  He came and made it into a very meaningful ceremony for us.  He really is wonderful!
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