Chana (Jenny) Weisberg is the author of the new book One Baby Step at a Time: Seven Secrets of Jewish Motherhood (Urim), and Expecting Miracles: Finding Meaning and Spirituality in Pregnancy through Judaism (Urim). She is the creator of the popular website www.JewishMom.org, and lives with her husband and children in Jerusalem.
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Discussion (6)
May 12, 2009
To Tanya
I definitely hear your point that a father and husband can have a tremendous impact on how a child "feels" in regards to Judaism. But according to Jewish law, and based on the spiritual nature and power of the Jewish woman, the SOUL of the child is determined ONLY by the mother. So how a child feels or connects to Judaism many people can influence, but what makes that child a Jew is his or her mother only. Personally, as a woman, I find it both beautiful and empowering. Practically, it is everything. Just like you can be very patriotic, love America, wear red, white and blue, sing the anthem 10 times a day, but when it comes time to vote, you are either a citizen or you are not. Just doens't matter how American you feel. With Judaism it is the same. Your mother is Jewish or she is not. And if not, and if you still "feel" Jewish, then that is when one looks into a true conversion according to Jewish law. But ONLY the mother determines a child's Jewishness...
Amy Levy LA, CA
May 10, 2009
Thanks for including us!
As a Black Jew, I rarely see images of myself in the Jewish mainstream. Thank you for realizing that Jewish mothers come in many colors, and they add their vibrancy to the peoplehood.
Mixedjewgirl Pittsburgh, PA
May 10, 2009
Happy Mother's Day! I wish to send this to my sister-also a Jewish mother!
Marcy Arbitman Evanston, Illinois
May 10, 2009
Jewish Mothers
I think this video is ridiculous. Only a Jewish mother can create a Jewish child? I'm so grateful to my Jewish mother for keeping me from being involved with the crap that goes on in the Jewish community about who's "Jewish enough". But my non-Jewish father and husband are just as involved in my Jewish identity and that of my Jewish children. Jewishness is based on your beliefs, the way you live, and your choices, not who your mother is. Open your minds and hearts, these "Jewishness standards" only hurt and alienate even those of us with Jewish mothers.
Tanya Des Moines, IA
May 10, 2009
Jewish mother
Wow! What a great video! Thank you!
Chava Docks Oak Park, MI
May 10, 2009
How many jewish mothers
Thank you jenny for a beautiful video. I was just thinking of you and this popped up. I love it.
LA, CA
Pittsburgh, PA
Evanston, Illinois
Des Moines, IA
Oak Park, MI
philadelphia, PA