11 Insights Children of Jewish Mothers Understand

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Updated: Aug. 26, 2019
Originally Published: Feb. 11, 2016

My appreciation for my mother truly blossomed when I relocated from the San Francisco Bay Area to Los Angeles for my studies at UCLA. While many of my peers had parents who visited infrequently, my mom had meticulously scheduled quarterly visits. These visits were always a delightful mix of gourmet dinners, shopping sprees to refresh my wardrobe, and the inevitable grocery run that left me feeling like a contestant on Supermarket Sweep. Despite juggling an on-campus job, my earnings were mostly funneled into savings or personal treats, as my parents generously covered my tuition—something they took immense pride in.

This was my norm, yet I soon realized that I had the ultimate mom—a Jewish mother. To Jews, their identity encompasses both religious and cultural elements. The essence of Jewish culture emphasizes family, tradition, and deep connections, alongside the observance of daily religious practices. Jewish women are known for their strength, assertiveness, and spirited opinions, making Jewish mothers a blend of warmth and unwavering resolve, always just a phone call away.

Now, don’t assume that having a Jewish mother means life is a never-ending sale at the shoe store; it’s far more complex. While Jewish mothers are pillars of support, they also wield a strong sense of expectations. Disappoint a Jewish mother, and you’ll hear about it—time and time again. Their love is immense, but they expect their children to avoid embarrassing situations, which includes excelling in school, attending family gatherings for Rosh Hashanah, and choosing suitable partners (employed, of course) before tying the knot (but not too young!).

Here’s a crash course in embodying that unique spirit:

1. Always Have Food Ready, or Know Where to Get It.
   When Jewish mothers think “suffering,” they think “hungry.” You’ll never catch a Jewish mother without enough food in her bag to feed a small army. After all, her ancestors wandered the desert for 40 years; her kids will not go hungry now. Hence, the oversized handbag—often with a roasted chicken inside!
2. Emergency Credit Cards Are for Shopping, Too.
   Regardless of how old you are, a Jewish mother ensures you have access to funds for emergencies. And yes, a half-off sale at Bloomingdale’s is a perfectly valid emergency!
3. Every Crisis is an Emergency.
   A Jewish mother thrives on turning any situation, no matter how trivial, into a full-blown emergency. This means that even the smallest of issues can prompt her to come over and check on you, much to the amusement or irritation of her grown children.
4. A True Jewish Mother Knows You Can Never Have Too Many Black Shoes.
   While Jewish fathers may not grasp this concept, mothers are expert shoppers who revel in taking their children shopping. They’ll employ every trick in the book to hide their new acquisitions from their husbands, all while relishing time spent with their kids.
5. Talking About Grandchildren is Never Bragging.
   The only person who can out-mother a Jewish mother is her own mother. Jewish grandmothers are known for believing their grandkids—often still unborn—are nothing short of brilliant. Who could blame them? It’s a grandma’s job to think her grandkids are perfect.
6. A Jewish Mother is Polite but Always Has Opinions.
   Whether your daughter brings home a Nobel laureate or the local barista, her Jewish mother will smile politely, but deep down, she may have her reservations. This stems from a protective bond that often leads mothers to be wary of anyone getting too close to their daughters.
7. Jewish Mothers Hold Grudges Like Champions.
   Perhaps it’s the historical trials that have shaped Jewish culture, but Jewish mothers have a fierce loyalty and an impressive memory for past wrongs. They can recall who slighted their child in preschool and will still harbor those feelings decades later.
8. Opinions Are Timeless.
   A good Jewish mother will stand by her child through mistakes and missteps, yet years later, she may still revisit those choices, often leading to emotional conversations—not always comfortable, but done out of love.
9. Sex is a Taboo Topic.
   Sex is just one of the many subjects Jewish mothers prefer to avoid discussing.
10. Jewish Mothers Are Knowledgeable About Everything.
    From cooking to car repairs to navigating social situations with poise, a Jewish mother seems to have an answer for everything—except perhaps keeping her opinions to herself!
11. Unconditional Support is Key.
    One of the most admirable qualities of a Jewish mother is her unwavering support. No matter how many mistakes her child makes, she’s always there to guide them—often reminding them of her wisdom in the process.

If you’re interested in more about family dynamics and parenting insights, check out this blog post. Also, for those exploring at-home insemination options, Make a Mom offers reliable kits for your needs. Additionally, Facts About Fertility is an excellent resource for anyone looking to understand more about pregnancy and home insemination.

Summary:

Jewish mothers embody a unique blend of love, strength, and tradition. They nurture with food, hold grudges fiercely, and always have an opinion. Their unconditional support comes with high expectations, creating a rich tapestry of family connections and cultural identity.