Before sending or giving the book, Weigner suggested reading it on tape. Teaching the grandchild Yiddish or Hebrew words and allowing them to understand what they mean and where they came from is another way of connecting a grandchild with Jewish heritage, Weigner said. Don't try to do things covertly. Levitt and Weigner both warned against competing with Christmas. It is important not to portray Judaism as being better than the other religion in the child's life.
Food is another way of passing on Jewish roots.
Including the grandchildren in the preparations of dishes for specific holidays will give them a warm memory of spending time with their grandparent and an understanding of their Jewish background, Weigner said. If the grandchild lives far away, she suggested sending hamantaschen on Purim or other treats on Chanukah, including the recipe and a little history about the food's connection to the holiday. Claudette Greenblat of Fairfax said she often has her three grandchildren of interfaith marriages help her prepare the annual seder. As the grandchild gets older, Weigner said the grandparent may want to discuss more complicated subjects such as anti-Semitism and why Jews believe in one God. She recommended watching Jewish-themed movies with one's grandchild, such as Crossing Delancey , Hester Street , Avalon , and Schindler's List .