"I Want My Family to Keep Shabbat". 7 Tips for Bringing Them Closer

1. What Not to Do. King Solomon, the wisest of men, says about the ways of Torah "Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace" (Proverbs 3:17). The way to bring people closer is not through confrontational arguments, discussions that become ego battles about 'who is right,' or by making demands of others. Preaching or condescending attitudes toward others is certainly not the way. Projecting the attitude of "I've seen the light, and you're still left behind" is guaranteed to alienate others and make them wary of you and your new path.

2. What to Do. While arrogance, quarrels, and friction about religion may provoke a negative reaction from the other party, positive changes in our personality and behavior towards others due to our spiritual growth have the potential to generate openness and affection towards the process of religious improvement. Emphasizing and enhancing the positive within us will cause others to see the impact of Judaism in a positive light. When we become better, happier, and more fulfilled people due to our spiritual journey, and more patient, giving, and kinder to those around us, we inspire a closeness to Judaism among our family.

3. A Jewish Weekend. Ask your close ones to join you for a seminar organized by 'Arachim,' held at a hotel over the weekend, filled with fascinating lectures on fundamental Jewish topics. You're guaranteed an amazing weekend for both body and soul.

4. Pray About It. In your simple words, ask Hashem to help your loved ones draw closer to Him out of love, joy, and clear understanding that this is the true path.

5. Strengthening Videos. If the other party doesn't demonstrate resistance, you can occasionally send them short and inspiring videos at a moderate frequency. Additionally, at the right time and in a good atmosphere, you can raise essential life questions and engage in a calm, level-headed discussion about the purpose of life and our existence.

6. One Click to a Journey of a Lifetime. Send your loved ones a link to the digital seminar from Hidabroot: 'The 70 Challenging Questions about Judaism,' where they will find all the answers to life's toughest questions.

7. One Shabbat – for the People of Israel. Ask your family to keep one Shabbat, dedicated to the guardianship and protection of the soldiers and the entire people of Israel. Your part will be to ensure that this particular Shabbat is as enjoyable and pleasant as possible, to diminish their reluctance towards the idea of Shabbat observance and show them that keeping Shabbat can indeed be enjoyable, relaxing, and connecting. Together with your family, organize a special and pampering menu, including delightful desserts, snacks, board games, interesting books, and of course, a Hidabroot bulletin for the Shabbat table. On Friday night, attend the nearest synagogue for Kabbalat Shabbat. This will help them get into the Shabbat spirit, and if there is an interesting Torah class during Shabbat at the synagogue, encourage your family to attend together.

Weekly Challenge

Take on section 7.

Read also:
Keeping Shabbat – How to Do It? The Short Guide to Shabbat Observance