When I was reading this, I was a little tense because I was expecting the other shoe to drop. Like, ok, something REALLY bad happened at school. Needless to say, I felt relieved for your kids. Because kids can be SO evil sometimes. Experienced the N-word for the first time in 6th grade (6th grade!), and, like you, I wondered where he learned it from. At that age, it has to be the parents, right? The kid's name was Damon (so close to Demon) and he was a bit of an asshole bully. I'm hoping he tried using that word again when he got older in an environment he shouldn't have and either got fired or got his ass kicked. #karma
Beautifully written. The way your kids took to it so innocently makes a huge impact. But this is something I would not really want to keep going on. Hug a Jew turns into Smother a Jew turns into make a Jew wear a yellow star. Do we have hug a Muslim day? Or any other hug-a-anybody day? Sounds creepy. Plus I’m shomer negiah (I don’t touch the opposite gender except family) this would be so awkward.
Only the mother can be known with certainty, notwithstanding modern surrogacy. I would have thought that's the reason. Nothing to do with feminism or who raises the children. (Is their something wrong with equality of rights and dignity for women? 🤔 Because that's feminism.)
I was very young when this notion came up. Gosh I hope you didn’t interpret my piece as saying that I don’t believe in the equality of rights and dignity of women. 😞
The matriarchal lineage was set in place so long ago (I don't know the Jewish history,), nothing feminist going on back then.
I'd always thought it was insightful, even scientific, in an era when the science wasn't known. True lineage could only be via the mother. I always thought that was quite a radical and correct decision if they wanted to ensure that the bloodline was truly Jewish.
This is a beautiful story that, as a mother, is also unnerving.
I have sat here writing line after line and deleting them because I simply don't know what to say. I feel like I just stuck my head above the sand and the world up here is carrying on in some bizarre manner that is based on a set of rules I don't understand. The guidelines that I know are based on hugs and mutual respect regardless of all the things. Sending you and your family and friends so much love and a million hugs. xox
What a beautiful story and so innocent looking back on it with today's eyes. It scares me to think what 'huge a jew day' could mean with everyone seemingly going to crazy town at the moment. I agree with one of the writers below that October 7th should be a special hug a jew day, reach out to your jewish friends day (if you are too far away for a hug) and a day to honour all the innocence lost on that day. Sending you a big hug from afar. xo
A very nice story and timely Carissa. A fair amount to unpack. My FAVORITE part of the story is the natural anxiety and uncertainty of you as a parent about what this is about. Meanwhile children are pure and have the gift of that freshness. Your kids just had a blast. The children themselves were not hung up on "the mother decides the religion" -- everyone gets a hug -- this is an example of why the young present the best hope for the future.
100% AGREE!!!!! I have a draft post about the differences between genetics and epigenetics. There is a fair amount of data that points to creatures (like us) who spend a lot of time with kids in the brood tend to dampen genetic improvement. Humans have kids in their stead for nearly 1/4 of their lives. Unless we start letting go early we can dampen the innovation. Humans, elephants and whales bear a heavy influence on their offspring both good and bad.
When I asked why the Rosenbloom children went to Catholic mass and not temple, my mother explained that it was the woman who determined the religion. I asked why. She said, "Because we can be sure who the mother is." I was in fourth grade. Sending loads of hugs, Carissa. xo
So sweet. Thank you for sharing this spot of joy.
Thank you for reading and commenting. 🙏🏻
When I was reading this, I was a little tense because I was expecting the other shoe to drop. Like, ok, something REALLY bad happened at school. Needless to say, I felt relieved for your kids. Because kids can be SO evil sometimes. Experienced the N-word for the first time in 6th grade (6th grade!), and, like you, I wondered where he learned it from. At that age, it has to be the parents, right? The kid's name was Damon (so close to Demon) and he was a bit of an asshole bully. I'm hoping he tried using that word again when he got older in an environment he shouldn't have and either got fired or got his ass kicked. #karma
Sorry you heard that word at all but especially at a young age. Damon the demon. We all have one or four.
Indeed!
Hugs to you, my friend. Today and every day.
Thank you. 🥰
Sending hugs.
Beautifully written. The way your kids took to it so innocently makes a huge impact. But this is something I would not really want to keep going on. Hug a Jew turns into Smother a Jew turns into make a Jew wear a yellow star. Do we have hug a Muslim day? Or any other hug-a-anybody day? Sounds creepy. Plus I’m shomer negiah (I don’t touch the opposite gender except family) this would be so awkward.
So true. Worked well for middle schoolers. Thx for reading and commenting. 🙏
I've learned so much from this beautifully-written exploration of a complicated subject. A wonderful post - thank you. ♥️
Thank you. ☺️
Only the mother can be known with certainty, notwithstanding modern surrogacy. I would have thought that's the reason. Nothing to do with feminism or who raises the children. (Is their something wrong with equality of rights and dignity for women? 🤔 Because that's feminism.)
I was very young when this notion came up. Gosh I hope you didn’t interpret my piece as saying that I don’t believe in the equality of rights and dignity of women. 😞
Ah, youth!
The matriarchal lineage was set in place so long ago (I don't know the Jewish history,), nothing feminist going on back then.
I'd always thought it was insightful, even scientific, in an era when the science wasn't known. True lineage could only be via the mother. I always thought that was quite a radical and correct decision if they wanted to ensure that the bloodline was truly Jewish.
This is a beautiful story that, as a mother, is also unnerving.
I have sat here writing line after line and deleting them because I simply don't know what to say. I feel like I just stuck my head above the sand and the world up here is carrying on in some bizarre manner that is based on a set of rules I don't understand. The guidelines that I know are based on hugs and mutual respect regardless of all the things. Sending you and your family and friends so much love and a million hugs. xox
Thank you. 🙏
What a beautiful story and so innocent looking back on it with today's eyes. It scares me to think what 'huge a jew day' could mean with everyone seemingly going to crazy town at the moment. I agree with one of the writers below that October 7th should be a special hug a jew day, reach out to your jewish friends day (if you are too far away for a hug) and a day to honour all the innocence lost on that day. Sending you a big hug from afar. xo
Seconding this. Beautiful story - xo🙏
Thank you.😊
Thank you. I feel your hug. 🙏
A very nice story and timely Carissa. A fair amount to unpack. My FAVORITE part of the story is the natural anxiety and uncertainty of you as a parent about what this is about. Meanwhile children are pure and have the gift of that freshness. Your kids just had a blast. The children themselves were not hung up on "the mother decides the religion" -- everyone gets a hug -- this is an example of why the young present the best hope for the future.
Thx Mark. Many parents need to take the time to learn from their kids. 🙏
100% AGREE!!!!! I have a draft post about the differences between genetics and epigenetics. There is a fair amount of data that points to creatures (like us) who spend a lot of time with kids in the brood tend to dampen genetic improvement. Humans have kids in their stead for nearly 1/4 of their lives. Unless we start letting go early we can dampen the innovation. Humans, elephants and whales bear a heavy influence on their offspring both good and bad.
Interesting. Makes sense.
Sending you virtual hugs!! Xoxo💕
Thank you. 🙏
I'm not really big on hugs, more of a handshaker. But we can all use a good hug sometimes...
Thank you. 🙏
I'm not really big on hugs, more of a handshaker. But we can all use a good hug sometimes...
When I asked why the Rosenbloom children went to Catholic mass and not temple, my mother explained that it was the woman who determined the religion. I asked why. She said, "Because we can be sure who the mother is." I was in fourth grade. Sending loads of hugs, Carissa. xo
That’s sad and hilarious rolled into a 1950s mentality. I feel like I know your mom even more. You need a memoir, sis. Thx. 🙏
That was put to me as Talmudic wisdom: “Everyone knows who the mother is, but only God really knows who the father is.”
I thought that was a rather cynical rabbi. Still, he had a point.
Oy.
Please accept a virtual hug from me in these trying times.
Thank you. 🙏
and from me
🙏🙏 much appreciation.
Every year on October 7 we should have the holiday called hug a Jew. Great story filled with innocence and truth. Hugs to all Jews
Perfect. That’s should he the date. 🙏❤️