Family

“You may have a friend over there, but HERE you’re mishpocha (family)!”

Jews are one big family, tied together by a common past and a shared future. And how do we know that? Because the Torah refers to us as “Bnei Yisrael” – “The children of Israel”, highlighting our family origins. Plus, we argue all the time!
And, just like in any family, the inevitable fights and differences of opinion are balanced by a sense of closeness, mutual responsibility and belonging.
You may be able to choose your friends, but your family is what you are born into, or what you are adopted into. And once you are adopted, you are a full member of the tribe.

Adoption, Not Conversion

You’re family and I love you

Unified, Not Uniformed

Debate Questions
What the significance of the family relations in your jewish identity?
What are the different ways Israelis and Diaspora Jews relate to issues of relations between parents and children, authority, family values, education and tradition?
Extended families, community and peoplehood: how do we relate to other Jews as members of our extended family? Is this a good model for Jewish peoplehood?

Click here for more activities about the family leg.