Judaism & Support for the Family (Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B): Revision Note

Support for the family in the Jewish community

• Because family life is so important in Judaism, there is plenty of support available from within the Jewish community for people at different stages of their family life

Family worship and rites of passage

Worship

• Families join together at the synagogues for Shabbat and Jewish festivals

• Family-friendly services are held, with games and activities for children

  • This encourages people of all ages to take part

• Family worship strengthens the local community and helps with spiritual growth 

Rites of passage

• Rites and rituals are very significant in the Jewish faith. The community supports its members through rites of passage to mark the important stages in their lives

  • These include:

    • birth ceremonies, brit milah (circumcision), simchat bat (baby naming)

    • bar and bat mitzvahs

    • weddings

    • funerals 

• As well as helping the family commemorate these important times of family life, synagogues offer preparation classes, mentoring, and support

• These aim to make sure the participants understand the meaning and significance of these important moments in their lives and in the history and tradition of their religion

Education and learning

• The synagogue is sometimes referred to as shul which means a place of learning, reflecting the importance of education in Jewish lives

• The Shema prayer (Deuteronomy 6:4-7) instructs parents to teach their children about faith and mitzvot (commandments) in everyday life, ensuring that Jewish values continue across generations

• The Torah places great importance on education, as seen in Proverbs 22:6:

• The Talmud (Bava Batra 21a-b) highlights the importance of education and community involvement in raising children

• There are a wide range of classes and learning opportunities for both children and adults

• These include:

  • parenting classes - synagogues and Jewish family organisations such as the Jewish Family Centre in London (JFC) run parenting workshops on raising children, teaching Jewish values, and creating a positive home environment

  • children and youth groups - synagogues and Jewish youth organisations in the UK, such as JLGB (Jewish Lads' and Girls' Brigade) and RSY-Netzer, offer activities, mentoring, and leadership training

  • Hebrew schools and synagogue youth programmes also help young people to learn more about their Jewish identity and community. They may study Hebrew to help their understanding of the Torah, or they may undergo classes in preparation for bar or bat mitzvah

• Jewish communities organise various family learning and cultural events and activities to help families celebrate festivals and significant occasions

• Members of the community can strengthen their faith and sense of community by participating together

Counselling and emotional support

• Jewish care and counselling services, such as Jewish Care, provide counselling and support for individuals and families facing difficulties, including mental health issues, relationship problems, and personal crises

• Shalom bayit means peace in the home

  • Shalom Bayit programmes and initiatives are often run by synagogues and organisations such as the Jewish Women’s Archive

  • They aim to help create peaceful and respectful family relationships

    • This may involve providing support and counselling for those experiencing domestic abuse

Financial and community support

• Tzedakah is the Jewish obligation to do good works

• Members of the community, Jewish charities and free loan societies help families who are struggling with money issues

  • They can help with financial support including interest-free loans, and may provide food banks

• Bikur cholim (visiting the sick) and mourning support are offered by community volunteers

  • They visit those who are unwell or grieving, offering companionship, meals, and practical support during difficult times

• Holiday hospitality schemes are offered by synagogues and charitable organisations to make sure that everyone can celebrate Jewish holidays

  • They provide meals and organise people to welcome others into their communities

The importance of support for the family for Jews today

• Family is key to Jewish tradition for preserving the faith and passing it on to future generations 

• The Torah teaches that family is a key foundation of Jewish life 

  • The commandment to ‘Honour your father and your mother’ (Exodus 20:12) shows the importance of supporting and respecting one another within families

  • It is important that family life is upheld and that everyone in the wider community feels valued and supported

  • Modern life can be challenging which means that community support and caring for one another are more important than ever

• Community worship in synagogues is important because it creates a sense of belonging and support

  • Shabbat and Jewish festivals provide families with time to rest, reflect, and spend time together 

  • Families are encouraged to invite others to their homes for Shabbat meals, making deeper connections and ensuring that no one is left out

• Education in the faith is important because one of the most important roles of a family is to raise children within the Jewish tradition and teach them to have good values

• Jewish communities help families with education by providing Hebrew schools and youth programmes, parenting classes and religious study groups

• Families need emotional and social support, especially during difficult times

• The Jewish principle of chesed (loving-kindness) encourages people to help one another, ensuring that no one feels alone

  • Support such as bikur cholim (visiting the sick) helps emotionally and practically with family members who are unwell and those who care for them

    • This upholds a key value in Judaism

  • Shiva and mourning support when a family experiences loss enables the community to provide comfort and assistance during times of grief and also follows Jewish traditions of mourning

• For families in financial trouble, it is important that they can rely on the support of the community to ease them through tough times

  • Support such as food banks and interest-free loans can ease their financial pressure

  • The community can ensure that no one is left out, especially during Jewish festivals

  • For those who are fortunate enough to be able to help, it enables them to fulfil their duty of tzedakah (charity)