Wean
Jewish Life & Customs • Both
To wean is to bring a child to the end of nursing and early maternal care. In ancient Israel this commonly occurred at about three years of age and could be marked by a family feast.
Biblical Usage
The weaned child becomes a figure for contentment with God’s care. Completion of weaning could also be marked by a feast, and the term may encompass the whole period of nursing and care.
Scripture References