Judaism: Tradition & Change (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Religious Studies): Revision Note

What are traditional family roles in Judaism, and why are they maintained?

• The family is the core unit in Jewish life, where values, identity and religious practice are passed on

  • Judaism teaches that the home is a mini temple (“mikdash me’at”)

• Many Jewish attitudes to family roles are based on scripture

• This verse highlights the parents’ duty to educate their children on G-d’s laws

Role of the father

• Jewish scripture influences the role of the father for some Jews

• This reflects the commandment for fathers to provide a religious education and prepare sons for Jewish life

• The father is often seen as the spiritual leader of the family

  • He has the responsibility of teaching his sons the Torah and religious duties

  • He is likely to lead blessings, Shabbat rituals and festival observances

Role of the mother

• Jewish scripture and tradition also influence the role of the mother

  • Many Jews see the role of a mother as creating a Jewish atmosphere in the home

• This is interpreted as saying that the woman’s role is in building and maintaining the home 

• Mothers are responsible for:

  • Shabbat candle lighting

  • Maintaining kashrut (kosher laws) in the kitchen

  • Teaching children Jewish customs and values, especially daughters

• Jewish tradition sees the mother as the heart of the family, instilling love of the Torah and tradition

Role of children

• The role of children is clear within Jewish teaching

• This means that honouring and obeying parents is an important mitzvah

• This shows the mutual role in which parents teach and children must respect and learn

• The role of Jewish children is to learn the Torah and participate in rituals

  • They must continue Jewish life and traditions into the next generation

How have some family roles changed in Judaism?

• While traditional family roles in Judaism were clearly defined, these roles have changed over time due to modern values and social changes

• This has influenced different Jewish traditions, meaning that there are now different attitudes to family roles between Orthodox and Reform/Liberal Judaism (also known as Progressive Judaism)

• In Reform or Liberal Judaism, roles are now more equal

• Women can:

  • Lead services

  • Read from the Torah

  • Become rabbis

• Men and women share parenting and domestic duties

• Mothers might lead Friday night kiddush, or fathers might take responsibility for teaching both sons and daughters about Judaism

• This approach might be influenced by the biblical account that men and women are created equally in the image of G-d (Genesis 1:27)

• In some Jewish families, it is more likely now that studying the Torah is for both boys and girls

  • Traditionally, the Talmud (Kiddushin 29a) originally focused on teaching sons

    •  Now, many Jewish schools teach all children the Torah and Hebrew equally

• Judaism now recognises diverse family types, especially in progressive branches:

  • Single-parent families

  • Interfaith families

  • Same-sex parents

    • Progressive synagogues often bless and include all family types, recognising that family values are more important than structure

What are the emotional and spiritual challenges involved in social change for some Jews?

• There are many challenges that affect Jewish communities when dealing with social change

• Some Jews may fear losing their identity

  • They may worry that adapting to modern values may weaken Jewish identity or traditions

• For some Jewish families, social change can bring about disagreements between generations

  • Older members may prefer traditional roles, and younger Jews may want progressive values

• Some Jewish people might feel isolated because they may have different beliefs

  • For example, Jews who convert to a more progressive or, alternatively, a more Orthodox path might feel cut off from their community or family

• Social change may lead to conflict with halakhah (Jewish law)

  • Progressive values may clash with traditional Jewish law, especially in areas such as gender roles or same-sex relationships

  • This may lead some to question whether they should follow their values or the Torah

  • Changes in society may lead to Jews questioning G-d and religion

    • This may happen more in societies that are becoming less religious

  • At times, social change can bring about community division

    • Disagreements over change can cause splits within communities

    • For example, some synagogues may divide over whether to ordain female rabbis

    • Others may argue over same-sex marriage in Jewish ceremonies