Collection
A set of source sheets examining aspects of the Jewish holidays.
Sheets
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Hashiveinu: From Tisha B’Av to Torah Service
A basic overview of Tisha B'Av, with a focus on the Hashiveinu line at the end of Eicha. It also includes musical examples of Hashiveinu and Etz Chayim.
Queen Vashti: A 3-Act Story
An examination of Vashti’s story with discussion questions
What is Selichot?
Background information about Selichot, along with videos of how to chant the basic prayers
What’s Tashlich?
An examination of why we feed ducks to celebrate the new year
Personally Connecting to Avinu Malkeinu
Background, questions, and music for Avinu Malkeinu
Honi HaMe'agel: A 3-Act Story
A readers’ theatre version with discussion questions to help people dive into the stories of Honi
Danish Jews During the Holocaust
How and why one country saved almost all of their Jews
The Akeida: A 3-Act Story (and the Quran)
Discussion questions at key points in the story
How Festival Services Differ From Shabbat
A look at how Chag / Yuntif / Festival services are different from Shabbat services
Ruth: A 4-Act Story
A set of questions to examine Ruth’s story, plus a Readers’ Theatre version.
Zeresh: A 2-Act Story
Thinking about Zeresh’s perspective through discussion question
Esther: An 8-Act Story
Looking at the Purim story from Esther's perspective, along with some videos.
From Chanukah to Tisha B’Av
An examination of how we went from the Hasmoneans to the Destruction of the Second Temple
Shivat Tziyon: The Return to Zion in Jewish Liturgy
An examination of references to returning to Israel or Jerusalem in the liturgy
Chanukah: The Sequel
A look at what happened in the Chanukah story after the last of the Maccabee brothers dies.
Al Hanissim
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.
What’s Up With the Minor Fast Days?
Explaining the Minor Fast Days, with context for each source
The Origin of Chanukah Customs
An explanation of the customs of Dreidels, gelt, presents, the story, latkes, sufganiyot, candles, and “Maoz Tzur”.
Chanukah: The Complicated Version
An examination of the twists and turns of the Maccabee story from Mattathias through Simon.
Chanukah: The Prequel
A history of the events leading up to Chanukah