Will Your Grandkids Remain Jewish?

The future of your grandchildren’s Jewish identity is in your hands. Are you ready to make a lasting impact?

As a grandparent, you’ve spent a lifetime embracing Jewish traditions, values, and faith. But here’s the question that matters most: Will your grandchildren carry them forward? For Jewish families, these questions aren’t just philosophical—they are deeply personal, shaping the legacy you leave behind.

While you can’t always control how your children choose to raise their kids, you do have the power to be a beacon of Jewish identity in your grandchildren’s lives. You are the link between generations, the guardian of memory, and the steward of a legacy that must endure.

Your Role: More Than a Witness—A Catalyst for Connection

Whether your children are raising their kids with a strong connection to Judaism or not, you have a meaningful opportunity to shape your grandchildren’s Jewish journey. This isn’t just about maintaining traditions; it’s about planting seeds of identity that will bloom for generations.

When your grandkids visit your home, do they feel your deep connection to Jewish traditions, values, and faith? Do they hear the melodies of Shabbat songs, taste the comfort of your holiday recipes, or see the love for Jewish heritage woven into your daily life? These small but profound moments form the backbone of Jewish identity. These little moments and the shared emotions we feel, no matter our age, are the ties that bind generations together.

• Celebrate Together: A family Shabbat dinner, the glow of Hanukkah candles, or building a sukkah together creates joyful rituals that root children and grandchildren in the rhythm of Jewish practice. These moments, infused with meaning and tradition, shape your identity and sense of belonging.
• Share Stories: The tales of your ancestors—their struggles, triumphs, and commitment to Judaism—have the power to inspire and connect. Explain why these stories and being Jewish matters personally to you and how they have shaped your life. These heartfelt conversations deepen your grandchildren’s understanding of their place within the broader tapestry of Jewish history.
• Be Their Jewish Guide: Read Jewish books together, help prepare for milestone moments like bar or bat mitzvahs, and support their Jewish education. Your presence isn’t passive; it’s powerful.
• Prioritize Education: Formal Jewish education fosters a deep understanding of faith, culture, and history. Whether through Jewish day schools, Hebrew schools, or summer camps, families prioritizing Jewish education can lay the groundwork for a lifelong connection. Consider helping to cover tuition costs or creating a family scholarship fund to make Jewish learning accessible for all Jews.

Addressing Challenges Beyond the Family Circle

The world our grandchildren inherit is one where antisemitism is on the rise, Jewish communities are shrinking, and assimilation threatens our continuity. But these challenges are not insurmountable. Ensuring a thriving Jewish future requires us to strengthen our communities today and tackle these obstacles head-on.

• Combat Antisemitism: Take pride in your Jewish identity and encourage the next generation to do the same, even in the face of adversity. Support organizations that advocate for Jewish communities by educating the public and promoting tolerance. By confronting hate head-on, we create a safer and more inclusive world for future generations.
• Nurture Future Leaders: The next generation of Jewish leaders will define our community’s future. Programs that nurture young leaders through fellowships, internships, and mentorship initiatives are essential. Your support ensures these programs thrive, cultivating passionate and knowledgeable individuals ready to lead with resilience and purpose.
• Embrace Digital Tools: Technology can be a powerful ally in today’s connected world. Encourage using digital platforms to share family histories, engage in Jewish learning, and connect with global Jewish communities. These tools can bridge gaps and bring our traditions into the modern era.

A Collective Responsibility: The Jewish Future Promise

Initiatives like the Jewish Future Promise offer a practical and impactful way to secure a vibrant Jewish future. By promising to allocate a portion of your estate to Jewish causes, you ensure that Jewish life will thrive for generations. Each signature matters and each promise strengthens our collective future. If you haven’t yet signed the Jewish Future Promise – a solely moral and legally non-binding pledge, now is the time. Your commitment can make a profound difference.

Take the story of the Cohen family. Concerned about their grandchildren’s waning connection to Judaism, they took decisive action. They created a family fund to support their synagogue’s youth programs, hosted weekly Shabbat dinners and encouraged their grandchildren to attend Jewish summer camp. Today, their grandchildren are active Jewish community members, carrying forward the traditions and values instilled in them.

The Cohen family’s actions demonstrate the profound impact one family can have. Imagine the transformation if every family made a similar commitment.

Our Shared Path Forward

The path to a thriving Jewish future is in our hands. Investing in education, fostering Jewish identity in the home, and supporting community initiatives can ensure our grandchildren inherit a legacy of resilience, faith, and pride. But we must act now.

Take the first step today. Sign the Jewish Future Promise. Share your family’s story. Support a local Jewish organization. Leverage digital tools to connect and educate. Every action matters, and every commitment inspires others to act.

The time to act is now. Your grandchildren’s Jewish future depends on the seeds you plant today. Will you help them grow?