"when children are our riches, we prosper" Orthodox Jewish attitudes toward families

[lapislazuli]

This is an article from Forward magazine about Orthodox Jewish attitudes towards large families, which includes valuing children over money and possessions. It seems pretty similar to Catholic perspectives that I’ve encountered in these forums.

forward.com/opinion/357526/when-children-are-our-riches-we-prosper/?utm_content=opinion_Newsletter_MainList_Image_Position-1&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Opinion%20Redesign%202016-12-19&utm_term=Opinion

The child-heavy Orthodox demographic reflects deep dedication to the future. In keeping with the Jewish religious tradition’s essential ideals, Orthodox Jews place children (theirs and those of others) on the hierarchy of priorities above — high above — career, economic success, status symbols and comfort. To be sure, there are wealthy Orthodox families. But there are many, many more that, without regret, live simple lives, and see kids as riches.

 

[meltzerboy]

This is an article from Forward magazine about Orthodox Jewish attitudes towards large families, which includes valuing children over money and possessions. It seems pretty similar to Catholic perspectives that I’ve encountered in these forums.

forward.com/opinion/357526/when-children-are-our-riches-we-prosper/?utm_content=opinion_Newsletter_MainList_Image_Position-1&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Opinion%20Redesign%202016-12-19&utm_term=Opinion

This is great; however, there are plenty of less Orthodox and non-Orthodox Jewish families who also value their children well beyond money and material possessions. A Jewish mother is a “Jewish mother” regardless of orthodoxy and whether they have large families or not.

 

[lapislazuli]

This is great; however, there are plenty of less Orthodox and non-Orthodox Jewish families who also value their children well beyond money and material possessions. A Jewish mother is a “Jewish mother” regardless of orthodoxy and whether they have large families or not.

That’s interesting. I wasn’t trying to make a statement about non-Orthodox families, or Jewish mothers. What the author said regarding large families seems similar to what I’ve read here from parents of large Catholic families.

Similarly to what you’ve said, it would probably resonate with smaller Catholic families as well. I know the Pope has talked about valuing children over possessions and he didn’t necessarily mean large families or people who practiced Catholicism in a certain way.