What is L'dor V'dor?

Whenever your children learn a family tradition, story, or recipe, that's l'dor v'dor, which is the Hebrew for "from generation to generation." Each member of your family plays a role in shaping who your children will become. They instill character, and often embody values and traditions to be passed on to their own children and families.

Making your grandmother's matzah ball soup recipe together, lighting shabbat candles, and building a Family Tree are all ways you can practice l'dor v'dor.

L’dor v’dor is all about making connections between generations--and there are many ways that you can do that as a family. Tell stories, pass on recipes, share photos, and just spend time together. Below you'll find some books to read, helpful links, and activity ideas to share the value of l'dor v'dor.

Read

The books in the lists below feature families passing on traditions, stories, and values as well as protagonists connecting with their roots.

PJ Library Books:

Chicken Soup, Chicken Soup
Gathering Sparks
Lights Out Shabbat
Mrs. Moskowitz and the Sabbath Candlesticks

Rise and Shine: A Challah Day Tale
The Friday Nights of Nana
This is The Challah

PJ Our Way Books:

Bridge to America
Lily Renee, Escape Artist
Now
The Truth About My Bat Mitzvah
The Whole Story of Half a Girl
When Life Gives You O.J.

Click here to visit PJ Our Way

Watch

Generations connecting

 

Learn blessings

See more videos about Jewish traditions and rituals on BimBam

Do

Cook a family recipe

Grandma's Matzoh Ball Soup via Food and Wine Magazine
Don't have a recipe of your own? Start a new tradition by borrowing one of ours.

Build your Family Tree

Use your PJ Library Family Tree decal

Look at family photos

Make a scrapbook
Create a custom photo book
Upload photos to an online album

Ask questions

  1. Do you know any stories about when Mom/Dad were little? Can you share them?
  2. Can you remember a story about when Grandma/Grandpa were younger?
  3. Are there special songs that our family sings together?
  4. What are some of our family traditions?

More

Looking for more articles, tips, and book lists? Check out:

15 Books To Read With Grandparents
Keeping In Touch With Grandparents
That Was Then: Sharing Family Traditions With Your Grandchildren via ZERO to THREE
The Special Tradition My Poppa Started That I Continue With My Own Grandchildren via Kveller

How does your family pass on traditions? Share your stories with us on FacebookTwitter, or Instagram. Don't forget to add #pjlibrary to your post.