What’s Jewish about Mother’s Day?

When you think "Jewish mothers" two thoughts might pop into your mind, first the matriarchs--Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah and second, old jokes that usually involve chicken soup, light bulbs, and the phrase ‘my son, the doctor’. But somewhere between the worlds of piety and comedy, ‘Jewish mothers’ are the women who have bravely carried the Jewish people through history—those who have nurtured, instructed, supported, and sometimes challenged us.

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Where does Mother’s Day come from anyway?

Mother’s Day grew out of the late 19^th century, and it’s origins are in dispute--some say it began in Michigan, some in West Virginia. In both cases the holiday began with women who felt that it was important for both men and women to honor the roles that mothers play in our lives. In 1914 it became a National holiday and shortly after became celebrated around the world.

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What’s the Jewish way to celebrate Mother’s Day?

First we might pay attention to the words of our sages "Listen to the Torah of your mother…"

Meditate or reflect for a moment on each of the following words and how they connect you to your mother:

protection

independence

guidance

nurturing

 

In what ways do you communicate your love for her?

In what ways do you help your relationship to evolve and grow?

In what ways could you forgive your mother?

In addition to the flowers, dinner, or phone call, write a letter or send a card, which conveys what the relationship has meant to you.

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In memory:

For those of us whose mothers have passed, Mother’s Day may be a time to remember and mark the life and dreams of our mothers. Take time to reflect on the legacy that your mother has left behind.

What did she teach you?

How did she show her love?

What are the things that you wish you could share with her or say to her?

Zichrona l’vracha "May her memory be for a blessing"

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For Mothers:

A meditation for mothers on Mother’s Day

Let my soul be in all things like the earth -- She is generous, she nurtures and clothes all creation, she gives space to let others build their homes and adorn themselves, she showers all with untold wonders.

-from Korban Minha Siddur, Vilna 1910

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One day Rabbi Tarfon’s mother was walking across the courtyard barefoot. Her sandals had split and she could not mend them. The young Rabbi, seeing his mother barefoot, stretched out his hands so that she could walk on them!