Why are sons important in Judaism?

Answer 1

Children are important in Judaism firstly because the first commandment that G-d commanded man was "Be fruitful, and multiply" (Genesis 1:28) Sons have the special role of continuing their father's customs (whereas daughter's adopt their husband's customs) There's a also many commandments that one can only merit to fulfill if one has sons: * Circumcising ones sons - not applicable to daughters, obviously * Redeeming ones first born son - but not ones first Born daughter * Teaching sons Torah (daughters only need to be taught the laws they need to fulfill; sons need to know the entire Torah - even those parts that are theoretical.)

Answer 2

One thought:

The 12 sons of Jacob became the heads of the twelve tribes of Israel , or the 'Nation of Israel' (Genesis 29:32-30:24/Genesis 35:16-18)(Acts 7:8). The term "Jew" is believed to have come originally from the family of 'Judah' , but eventually applied to the descendants of ALL of Jacob's sons. 'Judaism' is the belief system and way of life of the Jewish nation.