The 5 Legged Table

Family

 

"You may have a friend over there, but HERE you're mishpocha (family)!"

 

Jews are one big family, tied together by a common past and a shared future. And how do we know that? Because the Torah refers to us as "Bnei Yisrael" - "The children of Israel", highlighting our family origins. Plus, we argue all the time!

And, just like in any family, the inevitable fights and differences of opinion are balanced by a sense of closeness, mutual responsibility and belonging.

You may be able to choose your friends, but your family is what you are born into, or what you are adopted into. And once you are adopted, you are a full member of the tribe.

 

Below you will find videos clips of Avraham talking about the concept of Jewish family, and links to responses of Jewish educators to these ideas.

Join the conversation! Feel free to join in the "Table Talk". Add your comments and share your thoughts with us.