Crafting Jewish Tradition for Young Children: Morning Rituals

When we think of Jewish rituals, we might think of saying the blessing over lighting the Shabbat candles or the conducting of a Passover seder. We rarely think of everyday rituals, such as taking turns at the dinner table talking about our day or a nightly kiss goodnight. These too are rituals; they are acts we engage in at a regular time and have meaning for us. We look forward to these events and are disappointed when they do not occur. They are an emotional priority in our lives. Ritual can turn the everyday into the sacred.

Our tradition speaks of praising God with 100 blessings a day. Few of us actually stop 100 times a day to thank God; yet each time we do stop to sanctify time and space by remembering how blessed we are, we are enriched spiritually and emotionally. Praising God can connect us to our families, to Judaism, and to the larger world.

Many of our rituals, our sanctifying acts, even if idiosyncratic, have their roots in the traditions of Judaism. When we share rituals from our childhood or create new rituals for our families, we raise strong children. Research has shown that families who engage in rituals have children who are more resilient adults. The rituals that we choose to share promote a shared language among members of our household. They have the potential to tie our children to generations past and generations to come through shared behaviors. Most importantly, rituals enable us to communicate the values we cherish to our children.

Mornings can be hectic times in any household, but especially so with children. Families who are successful in getting children out the door in the morning know the importance of routine — doing the same thing, in the same order, each day. Routines work, but they do not address the spiritual and emotional needs we have at all times of the day.  Just as you feed your child’s body with breakfast, you can  feed your child’s soul with wonder, awe, and blessing. These suggestions are intended to give you a starting place for making your mornings more spiritually fulfilling, more meaningful, and more connected to Judaism.

UPON WAKING

Modeh Ani is the traditional prayer to be said by children. Hold your child in a chair or sit on the bed with them and share a special moment of closeness before the morning rush begins. Recite Modeh Ani together. For young children, you can sing or recite the blessing in English and in Hebrew. As they get older, you might encourage them to join you for the English and then later for the Hebrew.

Modeh ani l’fanecha, melech chai v’kayam, shehechezarta bi nishmati b’chemlah; rabah emunatecha.

I give thanks to You, O God, eternal and living Ruler, Who in mercy has returned my soul to me; great is Your faithfulness.

WHILE WASHING

Jewish tradition contains a series of prayers with which we can thank God for our bodies. This short prayer is appropriate for young children:

Baruch Atah, Adonai, asher yatzar et ha-adam b’chochmah.

We praise You, Eternal God. Thank You for my body. It is a miracle!

BEFORE EATING

Take time in the morning to remember those who worked so that we would have food. Say the blessing over bread (motzi) as a family.

Baruch Atah, Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, hamotzi lechem min ha-aretz.

We praise You, Eternal God. Thank You for the food You provide for us to eat.

BEFORE LEAVING THE HOUSE

Plan your day. What special activities will occur? What will each of you do to make the world a better place? Help your child plan to perform a mitzvah each day. Will your child help a friend who is hurt? Call a friend who is ill? Water the plants? Feed the family pet?

THE MEZUZAH

A mezuzah marks your home as a Jewish home. It is a sign of Jewish commitment. As you leave the house, think about including the ritual of kissing the mezuzah. Do this by touching the mezuzah with your fingertips, then bringing your fingertips to your mouth and kissing them.

ON THE JOURNEY

You might consider having Jewish books in the car for your child to look at. Play Jewish music and sing Jewish songs. Talk to your child about the things they see on the way to school or a play date. Point out miracles you may see along the way, people in need and people helping, and people acting in moral and just ways.