through conflict Times of global conflict, like the time we are living through right now, can lead to familial and interpersonal conflict as well. Moving Traditions is focused on supporting Jewish teens and the adults like you who guide them. We invite you to use this resource together with the teen in your life to grow together, rather than apart.
BE PRESENT TO YOUR CONCERNS Before you talk with the teens in your life, find time to personally process how the war in Israel and Gaza and its global ramifications have impacted your spiritual and emotional health, your family, and your friends. When you are in a good headspace to talk with your teen, express your concerns for the people that you love and for Israelis, Jews, Palestinians, and Muslims, in general. Be honest with those in your family if you feel anger, despair, or sadness. Make space for your teen to share with you what they want to about their own emotional state in relationship to the war. Make this a space for listening rather than a space for debate. If your teen doesn’t want to share, you still can.
FOCUS ON CONNECTION During wartime it is recommended that parents and teens find rituals or special times for connection. Find ways to share a walk, a sunset, a prayer, or a blessing over bread. We know that something that contributes to building resilience is sharing intergenerational stories of overcoming adversity. Share with your child a time when your family faced adversity, and how your family worked together to overcome hardship.
SHARE A BLESSING FOR PEACE רוָמיו הּוא ַיַ ֲֲעשה ָ עֹושה ָׁׁשלֹום ִּּב ְְמOseh shalom bim’ro’mav hu שָר ֵֵאל ְוְ ַַעל ָ ִ ָׁׁשלום ָָעֵלֵ ינּו ְוְ ַַעל ָּּכל ִיya’aseh shalom alei’nu, v’al kol ִאְִמרּו ָָא ֵֵמן ְ ְ ָּּכל יֹוְׁשׁ ֵֵבי ֵּּת ֵֵבל ְוyisrael v’al kol yoshvei tevel. V’imru: Amen
May the One who creates peace on high, bring peace to us and to all Israel, and to all who dwell on earth. And we say: Amen.