Family in Judaism

The role of the family is important in Judaism. It is often called 'mikdash me'at' or a small sanctuary. Just as the Tabernacle was where God would dwelt, so that home is like that.

Robinson said that both the home and synagogue changed because of the destruction of the Temple. The home was where chidlren would be brought up in the faith. It is also where most celebrations take place.

When a Jew moves into a new home, there is a ceremony in which the house is blessed and committed to God. This is called the 'chanukat habayit'. The main focus is the ceremony is the fixing of the mezuzah on the doorpost in lline with Deuteronomy.

The belief is that God will follow the Jews wherever they go.

As said before the home features special ceremonies that are often echoed in the synagogue.

For example, the lighting of the candles during Shabbat. The table represents the altar.

Special prayers are also recited in the home, such as kiddush at Shabbat where aprayer is said over wine priior to the vening meal.

Blessings are also said over food such as 'who brings forth bread from the earth'. The blessing after the meal is called 'birkat hamazon'.

Worship in the home also includes haggadah at the seder meal as well as the sleeping in booths to cememorate the festival of the tabernacles.

Children

The pinacle of family life is the birth of a male child. Bat and bar mitzvah's are also times for celebration.

The family life may also experience times of mourning. Visitors may come during the 6 day period following the death called the 'shiva'.

For parents, raising children is an immense honour and responsibility. Parents are to raise children to become the next generation of good Jews, acting morally. The Talmud helps parents on how to bring up children saying 'do not threat a child. Either punish it straight away or let the matter drop'. Parents are also expected to teach their children a particular skill to ensure that they can become successfully independent.

Children are also expected to be respectful of their parents (Leviticus 19:3) This is seen in the commandment 'honour your father and mother'. They are to also reseptc their parents by not interupprting or taking another side in dispute. If the parent/s is/are wrong, the child is to point it out in a tactful way.

Cohn Sherbok says that the Talmud highlights that Jewish teaching says that domestic harmony is the ideal of home life. All family memebrs are to compromise as well as unite in carrying out rituals.

Gender roles in Judaism

Men

Orthodox: He has a duty to care for his wife, protect as well as provde for her. This is seen in the signing of the ketubah or the marriage contract. This also makes sure that the woman is given. The father also has to make sure that his son is circumcised.

Women

Orthodox: Have children and bring them up. She is also responsible for fmaily life. Judaism teaches that marriage and motherhood are important to a woman's personal growth and development. The halakhah says the women are sepereate with their own rules as well as duties. The reason why women were excluded, according to Cohn Sherbok, from certain duties were because they were to focus on completing their domestic duties.

Hasidic movement: the difference in genders is completelly demonstrated in public and private roles for both men and women. Men are to pray in a minyan (the number of men needed for a service to take place) Women however have to keep the mitzvot relating to the home and children.

Reform: The Reform Jews are expectly have more liberal attitudes to gender roles. However, even though women can take on certain positions and roles that would not be considered in Orthodox Judaism, the role of mother is still important. She is important because it is through her that her children are considered Jews. There is a greatest emphasis on co-operation between the genders and greater equality.