The Jewish Mother, More Intimidating Than G-d.
Who can make you feel more guilty than anyone else about not following the laws of Judaism or living your life according to certain expectations? It’s not the rabbi, your boss, or even g-d. No, it’s your mother. Yes, the person who gave you life is the same person who can put the “fear of g-d” in you like no one else. She can make you feel as guilty as a five year old who has gotten your nice clean clothes dirty when she told you to sit down and behave until it was time to leave. The Jewish mother can rival g-d at any time.
Let’s face it, the wrath of g-d is an important driving force in Judaism. I know it is definitely the reason I go to Yom Kippur every year to atone for my sins. The thought of being left out of the Book of Life is terrifying, but the thought of telling my mom that I didn’t go to services for the High Holidays is even more scary.
I may be thirty-four years old, but I still can’t attend any religious function wearing pants. I always hear that little mom voice in my head telling me it is not acceptable. Although, my mom lives in a completely different state, somehow I know she will know if I don’t dress or act appropriately. Maybe she can sense it through the phone lines?
I’m not alone in this fear. My bother, sister and I have discussed it at length. What do we tell mom if we don’t go to Seder or don’t fast? What will she think? Will she know if we tell her we did when we didn’t? We confer to make sure we all have our stories straight. This is key.
Ask any good jewish kid and I am sure you will hear the same stories. It is one of those things that bonds us jews together. Like going to summer camp or having particular opinions about the best bagel to eat lox and cream cheese with, we all share the embedded fear of our Jewish mother.
But when all is said and done, it is our mother who instills in us our faith in judaism, whip our tears, kisses our booboos, and makes us feel loved and protected no matter how old we may get. Perhaps that is why mothers are considerd closer to g-d. Maybe it is his way of having a piece of him here on earth to look out for us all, even if guilt and fear are a part of it. I hope when I become a mother someday, I can continue this long lasting lineage and carrying on the traditions my mother passed on to me.
Good blog.