Jewish Parents: Do you talk to your kids about God?

[Anonymous]

Curious of what other Jewish parents think about this article- do you think there is value in talking with kids about God, the soul and the afterlife?

Topic of this article:
https://www.kveller.com/i-use-the-three-letter-word-with-my-kids/

[Anonymous]

Very minimally. I am undecided on whether or not god exists. My daughter doesn't believe it at all.

[Anonymous]

Not often but I consider myself agnostic.

[Anonymous]

Only when child brings it up - I explain we are Jewish by culture but I don't believe in God. I ask what he believes in. Today we had a conversation about both Judaism and athiest.

[Anonymous]

Wonder though what people think of the attached article as it relates to this topic? It makes an argument that can create a healthy base for kids in a difficult world.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wonder though what people think of the attached article as it relates to this topic? It makes an argument that can create a healthy base for kids in a difficult world.

I responded above and said I'm agnostic. I read the article. I wouldn't care if the author mentioned it in front of me (she says she feels you can't mention it front of people). We go to synagogue where it's mentioned

I think the idea re: a healthy base for kids in a difficult world is the whole idea of religion. I'm not saying I necessarily agree with that but I think that's the idea.

[Anonymous]

We do, but less about the things we hope G-d would do for us. My kids are big into talking about how when we do Mitzvot, we're being partners with G-d and doing His work. We've also reached a "How can we know G-d exists" age, so we discuss that a lot.

[Anonymous]

As an agnostic cultural Jew, I reference "the Jewish god" the same way I talk about "the Greek gods" or "the Christian god" because I don't believe there is ONE GOD that should be spoken of as such. In those contexts we are usually talking about the stories that are the reasons behind the holidays we celebrate, and god is more or less another character in the story. I am trying to pass along the idea that the concept of "god" (at least in Judaism) is more like a shorthand way of describing a framework for moral behavior. Sometimes my 7yo says she believes in god and sometimes she says she doesn't. I found this book to be a really helpful: https://www.amazon.com/Relax-Its-Just-God-Religious/dp/1941932002

[Anonymous]

Somewhat. Jews really don't talk that much about God.

When it comes up, it comes up.

[Anonymous]

I think we need to bring h Gd back into Judaism. Otherwise what we have left to pass onto our kids are bagels and holidays without much meaning.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think we need to bring h Gd back into Judaism. Otherwise what we have left to pass onto our kids are bagels and holidays without much meaning.

Honestly, this is how I sometimes feel about Judaism. With the exception of Orthodox Jews, Judaism has become meaningless because many people who are culturally Jews are atheists. There seems to be some level of opposition towards bringing God back into Judaism. Other people of faith seem to have some purpose or principles. Catholics, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, etc. I know what they believe. What exactly do Jews believe in? Without God is Judaism dead?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think we need to bring h Gd back into Judaism. Otherwise what we have left to pass onto our kids are bagels and holidays without much meaning.

Honestly, this is how I sometimes feel about Judaism. With the exception of Orthodox Jews, Judaism has become meaningless because many people who are culturally Jews are atheists. There seems to be some level of opposition towards bringing God back into Judaism. Other people of faith seem to have some purpose or principles. Catholics, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, etc. I know what they believe. What exactly do Jews believe in? Without God is Judaism dead?

This is why we go to Chabad. We are not observant. We don't keep kosher. We eat pig on Shabbat. But, we want our children to learn observant Judaism so that they can make the decision of how observant to be for themselves.

My kids absolutely love Chabad because it's so authentic and sincere.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think we need to bring h Gd back into Judaism. Otherwise what we have left to pass onto our kids are bagels and holidays without much meaning.

Honestly, this is how I sometimes feel about Judaism. With the exception of Orthodox Jews, Judaism has become meaningless because many people who are culturally Jews are atheists. There seems to be some level of opposition towards bringing God back into Judaism. Other people of faith seem to have some purpose or principles. Catholics, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, etc. I know what they believe. What exactly do Jews believe in? Without God is Judaism dead?

Not Jewish, but married to a non-believing, non-practicing Jew who I believe to be among the most principled people I have ever known. Certainly he walks a walk that I don't see among many believing, observant Christians I know.

[Anonymous]

Immediate, non-Jewish PP and I will add that I think cultural Judaism goes beyond bagels. There is a commitment to improving the world, educating oneself, valuing history and community. Many of the non-believing Jews I know would identify these concepts as part of their cultural Jewish identity.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Immediate, non-Jewish PP and I will add that I think cultural Judaism goes beyond bagels. There is a commitment to improving the world, educating oneself, valuing history and community. Many of the non-believing Jews I know would identify these concepts as part of their cultural Jewish identity.

Agree - Judaism is an ancient and ongoing culture that is more than a set of beliefs about god