Celebrating Jewish Traditions at College: A Guide for Parents

Raising four kids, the years are marked by the predictable cycle of new school shoes, report cards and packing for summer camp. With my first beginning college this week, I’m learning about a new set of dates that rule the calendar. Decision Day. Summer Orientation. Move-in Day.

When we turned the car around a few days ago, leaving our daughter on her own to meet new friends, explore campus and embrace her chosen path of study, I realized how important it is to both of us that she remain part of family traditions that support her connection to Jewish life. Over the past year, I’ve collected a top five to help my college kid have fun with Jewish traditions while away from home.

1. New Year, New You

The high holidays signal shopping bags and shoe boxes in the foyer as we all look to polish up a bit for services. It was important to my daughter that she attend a school with easy access to holiday services – access to a mall wasn’t nearly as high on the list. Come fall, she, too, will feel special in something new thanks to a couple gift cards to her favorite stores and free shipping for online purchases.

2. Social Hannukah

In our house, we light candles, say the blessing and open gifts together on all eight nights of Hannukah. The hustle of who holds the lighter and who opens first is part of the deal. This year, with the holiday falling before winter break, I’ll be sending my daughter eight wrapped packages and her own hanukkiah set. Each night, we’ll Skype our celebration so she doesn’t miss a beat, if only for the blissful 10 minutes of holiday chaos.

3. Give a Little Green

Dorm rooms are small, and once you add in the requisite microwave, T.V. and puffy chair they get even smaller. But there’s always a window ledge to become home to a potted plant in celebration of Tu B’Shvat. Everyone loves getting a package in the mail and this one is a special reminder not only of trees and our environment, but also Israel. For students without a green thumb, consider a fruit basket to share with friends during late-night study sessions.

4. Matzah Madness?

We keep a kosher for Passover home, which can be a challenge on a college campus. While my daughter will have the option of eating meals at Hillel and Chabad, a special package from home will stock the mini fridge in her room with go-to foods to make the holiday easier. I may not be able to send her favorite pear and cheesecake tart, but she and her friends will love my delicious Passover granola and chocolate chip cookies.

5. Get a Little, Give a Little

My daughter has always been giving of her time, far exceeding the required volunteer hours for high school honor societies. Moving towards adulthood, now’s the time to layer in charitable donations. She headed to college with a tzedakah box to catch her loose change. Come spring, she’ll have a nice sum, of her own making, to give to a charity of her choice.

There’s no doubt our house already feels different, one child short of our crew. But it won’t be long before she’ll hear from us, and know that we will always be here to support her Jewish journey.