Because Bubbie Did It!

So much of my Judaism is connected to my maternal great-grandmother. While she passed when I was three months old (and we only met once), so much of her Judaism was passed to me through her seven children, her 16 grandchildren, and dozens and dozens of stories.

When my mom would use the food processor to make charoset and latkes, I would say, “no way – that’s not how Bubbie did it! We must use a hand grater and get some knuckle in there.” When people ask about my kashrut, I say, “It’s not about God, it’s about Bubbie.” My initial attachment to Israel was due to Bubbie having made aliyah there and eventually being buried there. My initial reaction to standing at the Kotel was less about the historical and religious significance than it was about standing in Bubbie’s footsteps.

As we enter Elul, it is a great reminder to reflect on the traditions we pass l’dor v’dor. What are your favorites (of any holiday) that you like to engage in because it meant so much to your grandmother? What aspects of Judaism to you observe or acknowledge because you learned it from your grandmother?