Many Jews in the diaspora are concerned about their children and grandchildren sustaining Jewish identity. A while back a published study indicated that two major variables associated with maintaining Jewish identity were attendance at Jewish summer camp and visiting Israel.
Although I’ve consistently belonged to a Jewish religious congregation throughout adulthood I hold the belief that what happens in the family and at home has the greatest impact on a person’s mind set about their Judaism. Strong positive Jewish identity flows from a family’s celebrating Jewish holidays and rites of passage together, openly discussing Jewish issues, reading and discussing Jewish literature, newspapers, magazines in the home, attending Jewish related performances, decorating one’s home with Jewish art and ritual items. A bit of potato kugel and gefilte fish doesn’t hurt either, but I wouldn’t count on bagels and lox to reinforce Jewish identity. We’re fortunate in the D.C. Capital Area to have ArtSites, the Guild for Judaic Art, whose members are devoted to creating art that reinforces and enriches Judaic ritual and belief. ArtSites’ artists strive to create poignant pieces that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also meaningful within the scope of Judaism. ArtSites increases the options of Jewish families in conveying the beauty and meaning of Judaism within the family.
