How to Teach a Child to Say Jewish Blessings

Posted by Anonymous , 9/4/2007 Tags:TeachChildSayJewishBlessings
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How to Teach a Child to Say Jewish Blessings

Introduction

Hearing a Jewish child say a blessing before taking a bite of food is one of the most gratifying rewards of raising someone in the Jewish faith. Their simple "thank you" to the Creator warms the hearts of all those who hear them. It is not difficult to teach even a young child to say Jewish blessings, especially if you set a good example by intoning the blessings yourself.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Steps

1

Step One

Say the appropriate blessing aloud before you eat and before your child eats. The child will be accustomed to hearing the blessing and will become familiar with the words. Replace the holy names in the blessing with "Hashem" and "Elokeinu" (ask a rabbi for details) if you are saying the blessing for the child.
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Step Two

Pronounce the blessing word by word for a child who is capable of saying words. The child should be taught to repeat after the parent. You can use the holy names in the blessings at this phase.
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Step Three

Ask your child to say the blessing himself when he already knows the words. Reward him with enthusiastic praise or a sticker.
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Step Four

Purchase books for children showing which blessings should be said on which foods.
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Step Five

Explain to the child that we say blessings on food to thank the Creator for feeding us. When children can understand the reasons for blessings, they can remember to make blessings on their own.
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Step Six

Remind a child gently when he forgets to make a blessing, and give positive reinforcement.
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Step Seven

Ask an older child to teach blessings to a younger sibling if the older child seems to lack motivation. She will feel honored that she is being asked to instruct her younger sibling.

Tips & Warnings

  • Use positive reinforcement always when teaching children to make blessings.
  • Never scold a child for not remembering to say a blessing or for saying it incorrectly. Blessings should be made with joy.
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