GROWING UP: HOW IT AFFECTS RELIGIOSITY
The way that a Jewish child is raised can have a significant impact on their level of religiosity when they go to college. As stated in the video, if a child is raised more Orthodox or Conservative, then they are likely to place a higher value on their religion and make it a priority throughout the rest of their life. If a child is raised on the Reform or Non-Denominational side, then they are less likely to see religion as something of importance and more of a cultural background that they have.
There are two experiences that most Jewish children have growing up- attending Hebrew School, and having a Bar/Bat Mitzvah when they become 13 years of age. Children who attend Hebrew School are more educated about their religion, and are thus more likely to understand why it is important. If a child does not attend or drops out, they are less likely to know anything about their religion and will thus dismiss it for more secular pursuits later in life.
The completion of Hebrew School is usually marked by the Bar/Bat Mitzvah, a "coming of age" celebration that occurs when the child turns 13. Some children have these celebrations even if they did not attend Hebrew School. Rather, their families hire a tutor to teach them their Torah portion for the service. Although this still satisfies the requirement to become a B'nai Mitzvah, these children lack the formal education of their peers who attended Hebrew School.
As for the children who did attend Hebrew School, some of them may go on to attend Hebrew High School, and others will cease their Jewish education completely. There are also Jewish high schools such as this one in New York City, where a traditional high school education is mixed with a Jewish education.
Religious learning can also happen outside the classroom- Jewish day camps such as this one in Long Island, New York combine the traditional summer camp experience with infusions of Jewish culture.
There are two experiences that most Jewish children have growing up- attending Hebrew School, and having a Bar/Bat Mitzvah when they become 13 years of age. Children who attend Hebrew School are more educated about their religion, and are thus more likely to understand why it is important. If a child does not attend or drops out, they are less likely to know anything about their religion and will thus dismiss it for more secular pursuits later in life.
The completion of Hebrew School is usually marked by the Bar/Bat Mitzvah, a "coming of age" celebration that occurs when the child turns 13. Some children have these celebrations even if they did not attend Hebrew School. Rather, their families hire a tutor to teach them their Torah portion for the service. Although this still satisfies the requirement to become a B'nai Mitzvah, these children lack the formal education of their peers who attended Hebrew School.
As for the children who did attend Hebrew School, some of them may go on to attend Hebrew High School, and others will cease their Jewish education completely. There are also Jewish high schools such as this one in New York City, where a traditional high school education is mixed with a Jewish education.
Religious learning can also happen outside the classroom- Jewish day camps such as this one in Long Island, New York combine the traditional summer camp experience with infusions of Jewish culture.