How To Become A Guardian of the Jewish Future, One Shabbat at a Time

The story of the Jewish people is woven with resilience, hope, and the enduring commitment to pass down our traditions. As the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, this commitment runs especially deep. My father was an orphan, and my mother’s family—of whom only a few survived the Holocaust—found safe haven in Israel. Growing up, I learned that preserving our heritage and fostering the strength of the Jewish community was not just a value but a necessity.

Each of us has a role to play, as every Jewish family has the power to ensure the survival of our culture and our faith by embracing, celebrating, and sharing our traditions.

The Moral Obligation to Preserve Our Heritage

Our traditions are the lifeblood of our religion, passed down through generations. If we fail to actively uphold and celebrate them, we risk breaking the chain that connects us to our ancestors and our collective identity. It is a moral obligation for us to remain strong, proud, and connected to who we are as a people. There is immense beauty in our traditions, and it is up to us to ensure their continuity for future generations.

Building a Tradition of Connection and Belonging

Family was always at the heart of my childhood. Our lives were intertwined, gathering for celebrations and supporting one another with warmth and respect for our shared history. When I moved to the United States and began building my own family, I wanted to keep that sense of closeness and continuity alive.

After marrying my husband and while living in Los Angeles, Shabbat became our anchor. Every Friday night, we gathered around the table in a tradition that has became sacred to us. Shabbat offered a step away from our computers, phones, and the busyness of daily life – in order to reconnect with what truly matters: family, friends, and meaningful connections. Lighting the Shabbat candles marked a powerful transition—a sacred pause that brings peace, reflection, and holiness into our lives.

Today, as adults, my children carry on this ritual, alternating Friday night dinners with each other and their families. To see them embrace and continue these practices fills me with hope and pride.

Celebrating Shabbat can also carve a path to deeper engagement with Judaism, inspiring families to embrace other meaningful traditions like observing the High Holidays. These practices naturally build upon one another, enriching the connection to faith, community, and the shared values that define Jewish life.

Sharing the Joy of Shabbat

For me, Shabbat is a celebration of joy, love, and connection. It’s important to make these gatherings inviting and meaningful, especially for children and teenagers who might feel disconnected from religious practices or drawn to other activities.

When we moved to Atlanta from California, I wanted to share this experience with others who might be feeling disconnected or seeking community. Inviting new friends to join us for Shabbat allowed them to feel a sense of belonging in unfamiliar surroundings, and together, we built a community rooted in Jewish tradition.

Shabbat is not just a personal experience; it is a shared responsibility.

By celebrating our culture, teaching our children why these practices matter, and opening our homes, we contribute to a Jewish future that is vibrant and enduring. We need our children to be connected, proud, and educated about their Jewish identity. This builds a resilience within them that can withstand outside scrutiny of their faith and Israel. Without them, our identity fades; with them, we flourish.

By celebrating Shabbat, we strengthen the chain of generations and honor the enduring beauty of our heritage.

Advice for Families Looking to Reconnect with Jewish Traditions

For families who might feel disconnected from their roots or come from multicultural backgrounds, I say this: start small. Begin by lighting candles or sharing challah at Shabbat dinner. Consistency is key—honoring Shabbat every week at a level that feels comfortable can create lifelong memories.

Each Friday night, I remind my family of why we celebrate. By sharing the meaning behind our traditions, we strengthen the ties that bind us and pass on values of love, support, and community.

It’s never too late to begin celebrating Shabbat, even if you have never done it before with your children and they are grown up and out of the house. Whenever your family comes together, take the opportunity to light the candles, share a meal, and embrace the beauty of Shabbat as a way to reconnect and create new traditions. By doing so, you not only strengthen your bond but also set the foundation for these traditions to be passed down through the generations.

Embracing Our Role as Guardians of the Jewish Future

I would share the experience of Shabbat with everyone if I could. It’s a gift that brings belonging and meaning, bridging the past with the future.

It’s never too late to start building traditions that root us in our Jewish identity. Whether we are deeply connected to our heritage or just beginning our journey, each of us is a link in the chain, with every act of faith a bond that strengthens us as a people. Let’s embrace this responsibility and celebrate the beauty of who we are—for ourselves and for those who come after us.