Tradition

"Because of our traditions, we've kept our balance for many, many years. Here in Anatevka we have traditions for everything... how to eat, how to sleep, even how to wear clothes. For instance, we always keep our heads covered and always wear a little prayer shawl... This shows our constant devotion to God. You may ask, how did this tradition start? I'll tell you - I don't know. But it's a tradition... Because of our traditions, everyone knows who he is and what God expects him to do."
      --Tevye, Fiddler on the Roof

Today we watched the opening of Fiddler on the Roof and discussed the ways in which life in our time and place differs from life in a turn-of-the-century Russian shtetl. While our world is certainly different from that of Fiddler on the Roof, we still practice many of the same traditions that have supported Jewish identity for thousands of years.

Why is tradition important to you? What are some of your favorite traditions? How do you feel when you practice traditions as a family? Discuss this together at home. Students, be prepared to share your favorite traditions next week when we sing the "Tradition" chorus.