Collection
A set of source sheets examining aspects of the Jewish holidays.
Sheets
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Weasels of the Talmud
Starting with weasels, mice, and chametz, this sheet looks at 3 weasel stories in depth and brings the other mentions of weasels in the Talmud in an appendix.
The Ultra-Chocolaty Haggadah
A haggadah for a chocolate seder, with chocolate in every step.
Clothing and Costumes in Judaism
An examination of the role clothing plays in Judaism
What is Rosh Chodesh?
A text-based summary of the Rosh Chodesh basics.
Why is Sukkot Called “Time of Our Joy”?
This sheet looks at reasons why Sukkot is called “Z’man Simchateinu”, “Time of Our Joy”.
Queen Vashti: A 3-Act Story
An examination of Vashti’s story with discussion questions
Purim and the Journey to Oblivion: Is Inebriation Really a Mitzvah?
Examining the limits on drinking on Purim
Grog and Groggers: The Origin of Purim Customs
The origins of Hamantaschen, Groggers, Costumes, Shpiels, “Chag Purim”, Drinking, Seudah, Megillah, Matanot LeEvyonim, and Mishloach Manot
The Story of the Afikomen
An examination of the evolution of the afikomen
V'haya Im Shamo-a: A Prayer for Tu B'shvat?
Examining Tu B'Shevat, the 2nd paragraph of the Shema, and the confluence thereof
Hannah: A 5-Act Story
A readers’ theatre version with discussion questions about the story of Hannah for different character perspectives.
How to Get Meaning from the Shofar
A set of 18 different things that the shofar can make us think about
Personally Connecting to Birkat HaChodesh
An examination of the prayer announcing the New Month, including how to sing it.
Chanukah: The Complicated Version
An examination of the twists and turns of the Maccabee story from Mattathias through Simon.
Al Hanisim
A sheet about the Chanukah prayer “Al Hanisim”, along with 5 explanations for why we celebrate for 8 days and light lights. Musical samples are included.
The Origin of Chanukah Customs
An explanation of the customs of Dreidels, gelt, presents, the story, latkes, sufganiyot, candles, and “Maoz Tzur”.
Chanukah: The Sequel
A look at what happened in the Chanukah story after the last of the Maccabee brothers dies.
Chanukah: The Prequel
A history of the events leading up to Chanukah