godparents

DH and i are undecided as what to do...we are jewish so tradition says girls do not get godparents but boys do. (terrible tradition IMO). Plus, im pretty sure in jewish tradition, the godparents really do not play an important role in a childs life (i have a godson and aside from saying something at the bris there is no especial involvement).

Dh and i are team green, but regardless are on the fence about doing godparents in general (even if its a boy). We both have some close friends that we would consider but we dont want to insult friends by choosing one over the other etc.

can anyone share pros and cons to having godparents - especially if you are jewish.

Re: godparents

A little lengthy response, but hope this makes sense to you...

Officially in Judaism, there are no such things as godparents for children. In the Christian religion, godparents are responsible for the religious education of the child; in Judaism, the parents are responsible for this. Judaism does have a role that is sometimes referred to as a "godparent", but this is not "godparent" in the Christian sense. In America, Jews began picking up words used by non-jews, but gave them Jewish meanings.

You may have heard the term "godparent" used at a bris (or baby naming) - but this is nothing more than a ceremonial title - and it's not actually the correct term, which is sandek in Hebrew. In a bris, the sandek is the person who holds the baby during the circumcision. This role is usually reserved for one of the boy's grandfathers. If a grandfather is not used, then the honor is bestowed upon a close family friend - hence the term godparent is sometimes adopted.

So basically, you can do whatever you're most comfortable with. But don't feel obligated to choose a godparent for your son/daughter since this is not really a Jewish tradition anyway.

Re: godparents

I'm not Jewish but based on what you're saying and what the pp explained, I personally wouldn't do it. People seem choose their own definition of what Godparent is/should be and I rarely see the true role honored. Ultimately though, if you really want to chose "Godparents" I don't see what harm it's going to do.

godparents

I was born in Israel and had never heard of children having godparents over there. It's just not something we do.

DH is an American Jew and his family does name godparents. As PP mentioned, they don't really do much.

Bottom line, do whatever you're comfortable with (DH and I will not be naming any godparents)