My husband and I grew up rigidly Orthodox with a dose of chasidus. When we had our first child, we were determined to redefine what it meant for us to be Jewish, mentally healthy, and a light to the people around us. We wanted to raise them to be Jewish leaders, not mechanical followers. While we immensely benefited from our upbringings and believe in the value of our faith, commandments, and tradition, we believed that we could do more to instill values in our children.
We verbalize them to our children with intentionality. We used to think our children would adopt our values through osmosis, but often that is not enough. This is what brings balance to our lives. We encourage our children to actively seek knowledge and explore the reasons behind things. By understanding their world, they deepen their awe for God’s universe. They delve into our faith and question with no consequence. We teach our kids to be leaders and think for themselves, even if their non-compliance makes our life more challenging. We teach our kids to stand up for what they believe is right and ethical, regardless of societal trends or personal consequences.
Three times a day we pray for peace in our lives. As humans, we have a deep need for safety, tranquility, and peace. Three years ago, we bought a homestead in the country, choosing to raise our children away from the noise of the city. After living here for three years, we cherish Friday evenings listening to the birds chirping and watching the sunset bring in Shabbat over the hills. This environment truly nurtures our sense of home and what it means to truly live.
Whatever your values are, I encourage you to write them down and vocalize them intentionally to yourself, your family, and those around you.
Shai Albrecht is a Jewish, virtual personal trainer and advocate for women in Jewish law. @shaialbrecht
