Authors: Shelley Rosenberg
ISBN-13: 9780827607545, ISBN-10: 0827607547
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Jewish Publication Society
Date Published: April 2003
Edition: 1ST
Parents stumble into what is arguably the most challenging job in the world with little, if any, preparation. After all, parenting comes with no formal training, no internship, no instruction manual. We know that Judaism requires us to introduce our children to a moral and ethical code of behavior, but how do we always know the right thing to say or do? How do we help our children grow up to be responsible and moral adults and give them the skills they will need to care about themselves, about the world they live in, and about the people they deal with every day? In this thought-provoking and highly practical book, Rosenberg explores the challenges of raising ethical children today and addresses the key things that we can say and do to set them on the right path. With Judaism's perspective on universal moral virtues as her guide, she helps parents and other adults raise kids to do what's right and make this world a better place.
Dictionaries define the Yiddish word "mensch" as meaning a person of integrity or honor, or a fully human human being. So, how do parents encourage their kid to become one? In this practical guide, psychologist and Jewish educator Rosenberg discusses how parents can help their children develop moral standards, such as respecting others, giving tzedakah (charity), becoming peacemakers, telling the truth and performing "not-so-random acts of kindness." This resourceful book draws on Jewish stories and traditions to guide Jewish parents to be children's first and best moral teachers. (Apr.) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
Acknowledgments | ||
Introduction | ||
1 | Timeless Principles for Teaching Menschlichkeit | 1 |
2 | The Truth, the Whole Truth, and Nothing But | 15 |
3 | Respect: The Gift That Keeps On Giving | 43 |
4 | But He Hit Me First: Keeping the Peace | 79 |
5 | Not-so-Random Acts of Kindness | 117 |
6 | Teach Our Children Diligently | 141 |
Epilogue | 163 | |
App. A | Talking about Middot and Mitzvot | 165 |
App. B | Recommended Reading | 167 |