10 Proven Ways To Instill Jewish Values In Your Kids: A Messianic Journey O

10 Proven Ways To Instill Jewish Values In Your Kids: A Messianic Journey Of Faith

As Jewish Messianic parents, the desire to raise children grounded in the values of the Torah and the teachings of Yeshua (Jesus) is at the heart of our calling. We long to pass down the rich heritage of our forefathers while also helping our kids grasp the beauty of the Messiah's redemptive work. But in today's world, where distractions are endless, how do we ensure that these values are deeply rooted in the hearts of our children? This story is for every parent who desires to see their children walk in faith, connected to HaShem and empowered by the Spirit of Yeshua.

Let me take you on a journey, the journey of a family deeply committed to raising their children with strong Jewish values. Along the way, you’ll discover 10 proven ways they used to instill these values—lessons that can transform your home as well.

1. Shabbat: A Sacred Family Tradition

Every Friday evening, as the sun began to set, the Goldstein family would gather in their living room, a warm glow from the Shabbat candles illuminating their faces. The week had been busy, but Shabbat was a time to reconnect with each other and with HaShem. 

Rachel, the mother, would cover her eyes, utter the traditional blessing, and light the candles, marking the start of their sacred time. Aaron, her husband, would then lift the Kiddush cup and bless the wine, recalling HaShem's creation and sanctification of the day. Their children—Eli and Miriam—sat close by, eagerly waiting for their turn to recite the blessings over the bread. 

Shabbat was more than just a day of rest for them—it was an opportunity to pause and reflect on their Creator’s love. Every week, the children experienced the sanctity of this day, understanding that they were part of a bigger story. The rhythm of Shabbat taught them the values of rest, reverence, and family unity, which would remain with them forever.

As a parent, make Shabbat a sacred time in your home. It’s a weekly reminder that your family is set apart for HaShem. Your children will carry this tradition with them into adulthood, remembering the love and peace they felt every Friday night.

2. Studying Torah Together: Building a Foundation on HaShem's Word

Each morning, before rushing off to school and work, the Goldstein family had a simple ritual: they gathered around the kitchen table for a few moments of Torah study. Rachel would read a passage from the week’s parasha (Torah portion), and then they would discuss its meaning. 

“Why do you think Moshe told the Israelites to remember the miracles in Egypt?” Rachel asked one morning. 

Eli, ever the inquisitive eight-year-old, replied, “Because they needed to know that HaShem is still with them!” 

“That’s right,” Aaron chimed in. “And just like HaShem was with them, He is with us today. That’s why we need to remember His miracles in our lives too.”

Torah study wasn’t just a lesson in history for the Goldsteins. It was a way to show their children how the Scriptures connected to their everyday lives, especially through the lens of Yeshua’s teachings. They learned about faith, obedience, and HaShem’s covenant with His people.

By studying Torah together, you provide your children with a firm foundation in HaShem’s Word. The values of justice, mercy, and humility, which are central to the Torah, will shape their worldview and guide their decisions throughout life.

3. Prayer: Teaching the Language of Faith

From the time they could speak, Rachel and Aaron taught their children the Shema, the ancient prayer declaring HaShem’s oneness: “Shema Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai Echad.” Every night before bed, they would say this prayer together, affirming their faith in HaShem.

One evening, as Miriam struggled with fear after hearing a thunderstorm, Rachel knelt by her bed. “Remember, HaShem is always with you. Let’s pray and ask Him for peace,” she said softly.

They prayed together, and soon Miriam’s fears subsided. Over time, the Goldstein children learned that prayer wasn’t just something they did out of habit—it was a lifeline, a way to communicate with their Creator. They learned to bring their fears, joys, and worries to HaShem, knowing that He was always listening.

Instill in your children the value of prayer, not just as a ritual, but as a way of building a relationship with HaShem. Teach them that through Yeshua, they can approach the Father with confidence and that He hears their every word.

4. Acts of Kindness: Living Out the Commandment to Love Your Neighbor

The Goldsteins believed that one of the best ways to teach their children about HaShem’s love was through acts of kindness. Every month, they would volunteer at a local shelter, serving food to those in need.

One afternoon, after a long day of volunteering, Eli asked, “Why do we do this, Mama?”

Rachel smiled and replied, “Because HaShem calls us to love our neighbor as ourselves. Yeshua showed us how to serve others, and we want to follow His example.”

The children learned that kindness wasn’t just something to talk about—it was something to live out. They saw the joy on the faces of those they served, and they understood that their small acts of love could make a big difference in the world.

Teach your children the importance of kindness and service. Whether it’s through volunteering, helping a neighbor, or simply being generous with their time, these acts of love will instill in them the value of compassion.

5. Celebrating the Festivals: Connecting with Jewish Heritage and Prophecy

From Passover to Sukkot, the Goldstein family celebrated the biblical festivals with joy and reverence. Each festival was an opportunity to teach their children about HaShem’s plan of redemption.

During Passover, they would reenact the Exodus, reminding Eli and Miriam of how HaShem delivered the Israelites from Egypt’s slavery—and how Yeshua, the Passover Lamb, redeemed them from sin. 

“Just like HaShem rescued our people from Egypt, Yeshua rescues us from sin,” Aaron explained one Passover as they broke the matzah. 

The festivals were more than just cultural celebrations; they were a way for the Goldsteins to connect their children to their Jewish heritage and the deeper truths of HaShem’s promises.

By celebrating the festivals, you help your children understand their place in HaShem’s grand story. They will see how the feasts point to the Messiah and the hope of His return.

6. Modeling Integrity: Living Out What You Teach

One of the most powerful ways the Goldsteins instilled Jewish values in their children was by modeling integrity in their daily lives. When Aaron accidentally overcharged a client at his carpentry business, he immediately called to apologize and refund the difference.

“Why did you do that, Abba?” Miriam asked.

“Because we must be honest, even when no one is looking,” Aaron replied. “HaShem sees everything, and we must honor Him in all that we do.”

Children watch what their parents do more than they listen to what they say. By modeling integrity, honesty, and humility, the Goldsteins taught their children that living according to HaShem’s values was more than just words—it was a way of life.

Your actions will speak louder than your words. Let your children see you living out the values you wish to instill in them, and they will follow your example.

7. Guarding the Eyes: Teaching Purity in a Modern World

In a world saturated with inappropriate content, the Goldsteins were vigilant in guarding what their children watched and read. They installed filters on their devices and regularly talked about the importance of purity.

“We guard our eyes because HaShem calls us to be holy,” Rachel explained one day as they turned off a movie that wasn’t honoring to their faith. “We want to fill our minds with things that help us grow closer to Him.”

Teach your children the value of purity, not as a restriction, but as a way to honor HaShem. Help them understand that what they consume influences their hearts and minds.

8. Fostering a Love for Israel: Connecting to the Land of the Covenant

The Goldstein family made it a point to teach their children about the significance of Israel—not just as a geographical place, but as the land of HaShem’s promises. They would study maps, learn about Israeli culture, and pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

“Why is Israel so important?” Eli asked one day.

“Because it’s the land HaShem gave to our ancestors,” Aaron replied. “And it’s where Yeshua will return.”

Help your children develop a love for Israel and the Jewish people. Connect them to the land and its prophetic significance, so they understand their heritage and the role Israel plays in HaShem’s plan.

9. Teaching Gratitude: Recognizing HaShem’s Blessings

Every evening before dinner, the Goldsteins would take turns thanking HaShem for the blessings of the day. This simple practice helped their children develop an attitude of gratitude, recognizing that all they had came from the hand of HaShem.

“Thank you, HaShem, for my friends and for the food we have tonight,” Miriam prayed one evening. 

Teach your children to recognize HaShem’s blessings in their lives. Gratitude will keep their hearts humble and their minds focused.