Why Jewish Traditions Matter – Even If You’re Not Religious

Childhood Memories: Shabbat Dinners at My Parents’ House

When I used to hear the word tradition, I’d picture something old, dusty, and meant for other people—mainly grandparents. As a teenager growing up in Israel, all I really wanted on Friday nights was to hang out with my friends. Spending the evening with my family around the dinner table felt like the opposite of fun. Why sit through boring blessings and stories when I could be out laughing with my friends?

But every week, my dad insisted. Friday dinner was sacred, and attendance wasn’t optional. At the time, it felt like a chore. I couldn’t see what the big deal was.

Only years later, after becoming a mom myself, did I begin to understand the magic hidden in those moments—the quiet power of tradition that connects, comforts, and stays with us long after the candles are blown out.

Shabbat Dinners – The Heart of Our Family

But something shifted when I became a mom myself. Suddenly, I got it. I understood why it mattered to him so much. And now? I’m the one making sure our family sits down together every Friday night.

It’s honestly the best time of the week! We all gather around the table, I cook our tastiest dishes—everyone has their favorites. There’s always something a little extra special, like homemade challah or a new salad recipe I wanted to try.

We make Kiddush together, and there's this cozy, festive feeling that instantly lifts everyone’s mood. The kids have this game where they try to make each other laugh silently during Kiddush (so they don’t interrupt the blessing)—it’s hilarious and somehow really sweet.

Sometimes our extended family joins—grandparents, cousins—and we catch up on life. The kids love seeing their cousins. Other times, we host close friends instead.

No wonder Jewish tradition includes so many holiday meals—food brings people together :-)

Why Traditions Matter More Than You Think

But it’s more than just food. There’s something powerful about a ritual that repeats again and again. It gives kids—and adults—a sense of stability and inner strength. Traditions are like emotional anchors. They offer a rhythm to life, a sense of belonging, and a link to something bigger than ourselves. They provide roots—and if you know where you come from, you’re more likely to know where you're going.

Tradition gives children a deep sense of identity. When my kids sing a song their grandparents sang as children—it’s magic. It’s like time travel.

Our Way of Practicing Jewish Life

We’re a secular family, so we don’t follow all the religious laws or go to synagogue regularly. But my husband and I have chosen the traditions that feel meaningful to us.

For example, on Passover we celebrate the Seder, read from the Haggadah, and avoid chametz all week long. We've also added our own tradition — a family game after the Haggadah reading, something that includes everyone from the youngest kids to the grandparents.

Last year, we played a Minute to Win It challenge, all themed around the Ten Plagues. The kids went all in—jumping around, racing to complete each silly task. The adults… well, let’s just say the wine may have slowed us down a bit, but the laughter was nonstop. It was unforgettable.

On the other hand, we drive on Shabbat and use electricity. On Yom Kippur, we don’t fast, but we stay off screens and phones. That quiet break from routine lets us focus on the day itself and on simply being together.

So yes, we’re secular — but also traditional.

Choosing What Feels Right for You

If you found meaning in your Passover this year — or even if you just enjoyed watching your kids giggle during the Ten Plagues — we invite you to keep that feeling going. Bring in a bit of tradition wherever and however it works for you. Let it grow with your family, in your own way.

Simple Ways to Add Jewish Tradition to Your Routine

Here are a few simple, low-pressure ways to bring Jewish tradition into your home:

Choose a favorite Jewish song to play or sing together once a week.
Light candles on Friday night and say one short blessing — no need for a full dinner.
Pick a Hebrew word of the week to learn together (just one word!).
Mark Jewish holidays with a small family activity — a coloring page, a story, or a themed snack.
Share a memory from your own childhood Jewish experience — even if it’s a funny one!
Cook a traditional Jewish dish together — from challah to latkes to matzah brei — and enjoy the process as much as the food.

A Personal Tip: Create Your Own Traditions

And you know what? You can create your own Jewish family traditions too. They don’t have to be the same ones your parents did, or perfectly religious. They just need to be meaningful to you and your kids.

Tradition isn’t just what we inherit—it’s also what we create.

These small actions add up. They help your kids feel proud, connected, and rooted — and they give your family meaningful moments that last.

עַם יִשְׂרָאֵל חַי !

Am Israel Chai!