In the past few weeks it seems as though a lot of "serious" conversations with LO have been happening in the car on the way to school. (I fear that this means that LO is becoming one of those dreaded "morning people".)
This morning's conversation started like this, "Mama, when I want to get married, how will I know if the boy is Jewish?"
I was speechless (which is not usual for me).
What could I say? Here's what went through my head...
- He'll look Jewish. Nope, that won't work - after all we don't "look" Jewish.
- Let me think...uh, he had a bris - oh no don't go there cause then you'll have to explain something else you're not ready to explain.
- Umm...she'll meet him at Hebrew School - can't do that - all the children in her class are girls!
- He'll have a Jewish last name. Nope, our last name is as common a Chinese name as Wong is and that doesn't "sound" Jewish.
While I was searching for an answer, she continued..."I know. I'll be able to see his tzitzit." I went on to explain that some men tuck them so that she wouldn't be able to tell that way either.
Still lost for a really good answer and puzzled at why at 8 years old she is thinking about who she will marry, I decided to tell her that she has a long time before she needed to worry about it and that I was sure she would marry a nice Jewish boy.
Her response? "Yes cause that would make you happy."
She sure got that right. (I am a Yiddishe Mama after all!)
9 comments:
LOL, my son, who's almost 7, has always lots of "girlfriends" but he keeps telling me he won't be marrying any of them because they're not Jewish. Then he'll tip his head thoughtfully and say, "Well, I guess they could study and convert." And I say, "Yes, that's an option," and then he'll say, "But they have to COOK Jewish no matter what."
The boy knows what's important.
I'm laughing at both the post and the above comment. Too funny and cute. Kids are so honest.
OK! I agree with all of you. Way too cute. My little Jewish Princess (age 7) looks at me in horror when I talk about when she gets married and has children of her own. She tell me "Mummy, what are you talking about? I am never leaving you!" I smile and snuggle her a little more. I know she will change her mind and be looking for the perfect Jewish boy but for right now, I love her answer.
Kids often amaze us when they share what's going on behind those innocent young eyes. They are always processing their world. Sometimes we're fortunate enough to get a glimpse of their minds in action.
YY - it almost sounds as though your little one could be a candidate for LO.
Tamara and Bice - kids...they never cease to amaze me.
EK - She'll never leave, she'll just move in your house with her husband. And with that thought...LO, her husband and I can always just move in with you since we are at your house so much it is like we live there already - hee hee.
My daughter, who's three, is certain that she's marrying Bert of Bert-and-Ernie fame, that he can live in our third bedroom, and that they're having "some girl and some boy children" and that she can convince him to get rid of the unibrow. Kids!
It's never to early to start talking about this stuff. Keep her in Jewish schools and you should be covered.
Oh, RM, btw I'm pretty sure Bert is gay.
RM - that is too cute.
PT - I'm with you - it's NEVER too early to instill this understanding in her. And that Bert comment is just WRONG (but I am still laughing).
Bert IS gay, but Ernie may be bi.
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