Are There Jewish Godparents?

Question:

My brother told me when his daughter was born that a godparent was not needed.Is that true?

Answer:

The concept of godparents is Christian in origin. Early in the history of the Church, specific individuals would be appointed to act as “sponsors” to vouch for a child's spiritual purity. The sponsor would be responsible for the spiritual development and religious education of the child—thus the term, “godparent.”

There is no such concept in Judaism. A child's parents are directly responsible for his or her spiritual education. The education of their child is their privilege and obligation. Just like a parent is responsible for the child's physical well-being—shelter, food, clothing—so is the parent responsible for the child's spiritual education.

Bronya Shaffer
For The Judaism Website – Chabad.org

By Bronya Shaffer

Mrs. Bronya Shaffer is a noted globetrotting lecturer on Jewish women's issues, and serves as a personal counselor and mentor for women, couples and adolescents. Mrs. Shaffer, a responder for Chabad.org’s Ask the Rabbi service, lives with her ten children in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.

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February 14, 2012

my (sort of) godparents

While the term is not used in Judaism, my mother's best friend was present at my birth and she and her husband will be responsible for me in the event of the deaths of both my parents.

Anonymous

January 24, 2012

Kvater ?!

No, I'd say that kvater is totally unrelated to Godfather ... the honour during a brit milah is to the sandek. The one who holds the baby boy during the milah. Often a grandpa.