Collection
A set of source sheets examining aspects of the Jewish holidays.
Sheets
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Why is Sukkot Called “Time of Our Joy”?
This sheet looks at reasons why Sukkot is called “Z’man Simchateinu”, “Time of Our Joy”.
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.
What is Rosh Chodesh?
A text-based summary of the Rosh Chodesh basics.
Chanukah: The Complicated Version
An examination of the twists and turns of the Maccabee story from Mattathias through Simon.
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
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
Ruth: A 4-Act Story
A set of questions to examine Ruth’s story, plus a Readers’ Theatre version.
Is Thanksgiving a Jewish Holiday?
An examination of the ways that Thanksgiving could be considered a Jewish holiday.
What is the holiday of Sigd?
Explanation of Sigd, plus history of Jews in Ethiopia plus other places in Africa
What is Selichot?
Background information about Selichot, along with videos of how to chant the basic prayers
Jewish Halloween: Sources and Stories
A look at Jewish sources on Halloween topics, as well as Jewish “ghost stories”
Do You Agree With Kohelet?
Selections from Kohelet to decide if you agree with, plus musical selections
Exploring Kol Nidrei
A look at Kol Nidrei, including why the Ashkenazic and Sephardic versions are different.
What's a Lulav and Etrog?
The basics and not-so-basics of lulav and etrog.