The perceived role of the family
Judaism has survived 4000 years, keeping many of its rituals and beliefs completely unchanged. This ability to maintain their faith whilst spread around the world is due more to family life than anything else. Family provides role models, and teaches children about the morality, spirituality and beliefs and practices of their faith. It is for this reason that women are traditionally less involved in the synagogue - they are already closer to God because they follow his commandments in bringing up children, cooking etc.
Find out more:
The Revision Site's Family Life
Schoolnet's Judaism - Family life
aish.com has an article called Cultivating Kindness
Some questions are specifically about family life, but it also comes up in other areas:
[1996 Q5] (b) How might celebrating the Sabbath together affect the life of a Jewish family? [7]
[1997 Q1] (b) How and why do these religious items affect the life of a Jewish family? [7]
[1997 Q4] (b) How might a rabbi give practical help to Jews trying to follow the law on their family life? [7]
[1998 Q1] (a) How and why might a Jewish family celebrate Shabbat at home? [8]
[1998 Q2] (b) Explain why their faith might help Jews cope with the death of a member of their family. [7]
[1998 Q4] (b) How might a Jewish family follow the teachings of the Torah during the rest of the week? [7]
[1998 Q5] (b) How might celebrating festivals strengthen Jewish family life? [7]
[1999 Q3] (b) Explain how keeping Jewish laws at home might strengthen Jewish family life. [7]
[2000 Q3] (b) Explain how the faith of a Jewish family might affect the way in which they treat each other. [7]
For each of these questions, jot down two or three key points about the family. You should build up a long list of points, because you will certainly have the opportunity to use at least some of them in the exam!
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