Making Bedtime Jewish: Creating Rituals

Transforming bedtime into Jewish time lets your child understand that being Jewish is a way of life, and a constant source of comfort.What works best for you and your child should be your guide to crafting your own Jewish bedtime ritual. You can begin by just reciting the Shema, or looking at colorful picture books, or humming a relaxing melody.

* Look together at a Jewish children’s book and play with a Jewish toy, such as a cloth mezuzah, a stuffed animal with Jewish symbols, or Hebrew cloth blocks.
* Talk about what you were thankful for today.
* Say the Shema, a word at a time, slowly. Try to recite while covering the eyes. Does it feel different?
* Sing a Jewish song.

From the Union for Reform Judaism