Summer Time is Jewish Time

In the 18th century, the Hassidic rabbi, Nachman of Bratzlav, taught the following:
The Talmud teaches us that the day will come when the Torah will be forgotten among Jews. Commenting on this phrase Rabbi Nachman explained that many books are printed and bought, with people building up their own libraries. Since even the simplest person has books, the Torah is not forgotten. As each book is published, people rush to buy it, building up respectable collections. In this manner, the Torah does not fall into oblivion. What people do not realize is that these books are of no help unless people look into them and study their teachings.

This summer don’t close the book on your child’s Jewish education. Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Take a walk in the woods, by the seashore or in a special place that your family enjoys in
nature. Identify the wonders of nature, large and small, that are a blessing to our world.

2. Prepare Shabbat dinner on Friday evening or make a Shabbat picnic for Saturday lunch. Share your meal with guests. Find the blessings here.

3. Develop a tzedakah habit. Start by placing a few coins in a tzedakah box before Shabbat begins. If you don’t have a tzedakah box, make one by purchasing an unfinished wooden or cardboard box at a craft store, then paint it and decorate it with found items from your nature walk!

4. Organize a multi-family Shabbat camp-out.

From the Jewish Parent Page of the Union for Reform Judaism. Check out the whole newsletter for more summer ideas.