What Jewish Fatherhood Means to Me

A Father’s Day Interview with Our Dad

This Father’s Day, we wanted to do something special.
We sat down with OUR DAD,  the man who shaped our values, inspired our work, and taught us the meaning of legacy.

As the granddaughters of 2 Holocaust survivors, and now mothers ourselves, we know how precious it is to carry on Jewish tradition. Our dad has always been the quiet engine behind Apeloig Collection—his passion for continuity, community, and faith is what drives us to create ritual objects that connect the past and future with beauty and meaning.

Here’s what he shared with us about what Jewish fatherhood means to him.

1. What does being a Jewish father mean to you?

As the Jewish father of three daughters, it’s always been a challenge—and a mission—for me to pass down the values of Judaism. I wanted my daughters to grow up proud of who they are, proud to belong to the Jewish people, and ready to pass that on to their own children.

I always hoped they’d find Jewish partners who shared those values. That mattered to me—not only because I knew that as mothers they would raise Jewish children, but because I wanted them to live in Jewish environments: from school to college, and into their homes.

 2. How did your Jewish upbringing shape the way you raised us?

I’m the son of two Holocaust survivors. That shaped everything.

My parents were different from those of many of my friends. They were joyful and optimistic, but always carried a veil of sorrow. They had lost most of their family. Their pride was in raising Jewish children—that was their victory, their “revenge”. 

I grew up in a traditional home, went to a Jewish school, and celebrated the holidays. Together with your mom, Sylvia, we built on that. We became more observant than our parents—and now, I see that you, my daughters, are even more connected. Every generation has deepened its Jewish identity. That fills me with pride.

3. What role does faith play in fatherhood for you?

I’ve always believed in God.

Life has been good to me overall, but during hard times—accidents, illness, stress—I’ve leaned on that faith. I always believed we would get through it. That quiet optimism is something I tried to pass on to my family.

4. What traditions or holidays bring you the most joy as a father?

Pesach (Passover) has always held a special place in my heart.

As a child, it was when I saw my only cousins in Venezuela, the children of my mothers sister. Later, celebrating Seders with my parents and my daughters at the same table—it was deeply meaningful. Three generations retelling the Exodus. That’s Jewish continuity in action.

Eventually, our Seders grew to include my sons-in-law and grandchildren. It’s a holiday that, to me, symbolizes the very essence of our survival as a people. I love making it fun for my grandkids—every year, I dress up as Moshe, and the whole family chooses costumes tied to the story of Egypt. We retell the Exodus through trivia, skits, and interactive moments that make the experience memorable and meaningful for the next generation. 

But Pesach is also bittersweet. One year, on Seder night, we lost your grandmother—Ghitta Berger z”l. So for me, the holiday holds both light and shadow.

5. What’s one lesson you hope we’ve carried from your example?

Be proud to be Jewish. Love being Jewish. Know your history.

We are a small people, but we have given so much to the world. We’ve rebuilt our homeland after 2,000 years.

I want you—and your children—to understand the value of that. To feel connected to Israel, to our people, to our moral legacy.

6. Fatherhood isn’t always easy. How did you find the balance?

Love with limits.

I always tried to balance affection with guidance. I gave you space to explore, but I also set boundaries. Sometimes I’d say “no” until you proved otherwise—and then I said “yes.”

I think it worked. You’ve grown into grounded, sensible women. You’re dreamers—but you make those dreams real, with your feet on the ground.

7. What makes Jewish fatherhood unique?

In Judaism, educating our children is at the core of who we are.

Every day we say in the Shema:
“Veshinantam levanekha…”
"You shall teach them diligently to your children…"

This means our values must be present in everyday life—in our homes, our conversations, our choices.

That’s how I was raised. That’s what your mother and I worked to build in our home. And now, seeing you do the same with your families fills us with naches.

This dedication to family and education is why our people have survived. And why we always will.

8. When you see us raising our own families and continuing the traditions, how does that make you feel?

It makes me incredibly proud.

I remember my father saying how fulfilled he felt to have raised Jewish children after surviving the Shoah. Now I understand what he meant.

To see my daughters with their husbands and children, celebrating Shabbat and holidays together, continuing the chain—I feel blessed. To witness the tradition carry forward, link by link, is the greatest reward.

9. What message do you have for us as mothers and entrepreneurs?

Dream big. Be ambitious—but stay grounded.

Use your common sense. Trust your instincts. Avoid unnecessary conflict.

Enjoy what you do. If you love it, success and happiness will follow.

Stay close to your family, your community, and your people. Live your Judaism with pride. Be honest with yourselves and others.

Never forget tzedakah. Community work brings more spiritual wealth than any job can offer.

10. One piece of advice to fathers everywhere?

Love your children. Give them your best advice.

Spend quality time with them. Let them walk their path, but never stop watching over them. Stay close.

Anything else you’d like to share?

I feel fulfilled.

I think we did a good job raising you. All three of you are entrepreneurs.

Gabriela and Daniela run a beautiful Judaica business that brings light and meaning to Jewish homes. Deborah is a powerful voice in our community through Tikkun Talks, with over 50,000 followers. She was even selected by the President of Israel as a “Voice of the People.”

Your work is rooted in our people, our history, and our future.
Thank God—I have so much naches from you.

Happy Father’s Day to all the Jewish fathers out there—may your love and values continue to light the way.