In this video we will continue to focus on the important topic of Spending Money On Things Vs. Experiences, which I think this is a particularly important topic to address, especially during the High Holiday season.
So, The importance of creating meaningful experiences is especially relevant as we approach the High Holidays. There are numerous stresses associated with the high holiday season, including preparation, family dynamics, costly obligations, and an extremely long prayer service. However, the reality is that the time and money spent on these experiences will be looked at fondly down the road by yourself and your family. Every person with whom I’ve spent yuntif has at some point shared personal stories about spending yuntif with their parents, grandparents, siblings, or friends, and relayed the stories that their elders shared with them. The fact that you are one link in a long chain of people that have been celebrating the same holidays for millennia is what makes the High Holidays so meaningful.
Practically, how does one “invest” to create the most meaningful experiences for their family, and children in particular, during this yuntif season? The good news is that it does not necessarily require an additional financial outlay. Here are a few ideas to consider:
- Daveningaccording to your level: While in elementary school, I remember spending an inordinate amount of time on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur counting how many pages were left in my machzor before I could go home. It’s a long service for a youngster to sit through. However, I also remember fondly going under my father’s tallis during Birkat Kohanim, listening to the shofar, and other aspects of the service that I found more enjoyable or with which I more closely connected. Giving your young kids more flexibility regarding which parts of davening they choose to join can leave them with a positive feeling and help them grow spiritually.
- Emphasize the customs:I’ve always learned best from, and connected with, stories. I feel like many people do. One aspect of Judaism that I have found inspiring is hearing stories, and seeing the customs, that were passed down from generation to generation. My wife’s family is always very serious about doing all the simanim on Rosh Hashana. My family is always serious about putting copious amounts of honey on the challah. The kids enjoy both aspects of these family traditions. Even though they may be minor aspects of the holiday itself, I know they are left with warm memories and will, iy”h, share these aspects of the holiday with future generations.
- Celebrate accomplishments and education:Jewish families value a strong Torah education. Kids also like to show what they have learned. Allowing your kids to share their divrei Torah, or projects from school, and celebrating their knowledge is another way to encourage learning, growth, and creating warm memories during the holiday season. It also helps lessen some of the rigidity felt during this time of year which can go a long way.
- Lead by example:As I often write and discuss in my videos, when it comes to educating children about money, it’s important to lead by example. After all, children are astute and will emulate your behavior more than what you say. Furthermore, there may be others in your community who will also emulate your fervor during the yomim noraim. I still remember davening as a boy in Rinat Yisroel in Teaneck and recall how various members davened on Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashana. It’s interesting what stays with you long after you move away. Taking the time and making the commitment to behave in a certain way may inspire more people than you know.
To conclude this video series, Not every investment is about dollars, performance metrics, and financial returns. Some of the best investments we make are in the experiences we facilitate. As we continue along in the high holiday season, it’s important to invest our time and money to enhance our family’s yuntif experience. It’s this type of investment that will cause warm and inspiring feelings for many generations to come and will keep paying dividends long after you are gone.