A Guide to Celebrating the Holidays

Transcription

From Temple Beth Sholom
Edited by Rabbi Heidi M. Cohen
Developed by Julie Galambos & Patty Lombard
Temple Israel of Hollywood Outreach Committee
Shabbat
Rosh HaShanah
Yom Kippur
Sukkot
Simhat Torah
Hanukah
From Temple Beth Sholom
Tu B’Shvat
Purim
Passover
Shavuot
Other Stuff
Shabbat
Shabbat is a gift, a gift of rest. Often we
spend
our
days
rushing
from
one
appointment to the next.
Life is hectic
and it is hard to find a moment to stop
and smell the flowers.
But Shabbat is a
“sanctuary in time.” If we choose to tap
into the ancient wisdom of our tradition,
it can be a prescribed time when we force
ourselves to slow down and appreciate the
blessings in our lives. To thank God for
our health, our loved ones, the homes we
live in, and the parts of life that bring us
joy.
Shabbat calls out to us weekly to
take a deep breath and appreciate what we
do have, rather than worry about what is
still left to be done.
Celebration
Checklist
2 Candlesticks
2 Candles
Challah
Challah
Tzedakah box
Shabbat Music
Kiddush Cup
Wine or grape juice
(traditionally
white)
Cover
A Sheet with all the Shabbat Blessings.
A copy of the “Family Shabbat Table Talk”
web site for the current week’s Torah
portion found at www.uahc.org/shabbat/).
Table should be set for a special occasion,
with a pretty cloth and flowers.
Shabbat occurs weekly beginning with
sundown on Friday evening and ending
when there are three stars in the sky on
Saturday night (therefore it is actually
longer than twenty-four hours.)
As Ahad Ha’Am (a famous Zionist
thinker) once said, “More than Jews have
kept the Sabbath, the observance of the
Sabbath has kept the Jews alive.”
As
Reform Jews sometimes we reject the
strict Shabbat observance of the laws (like
not using electricity) and wind up
throwing out the baby with the bath
water by thinking if I don’t keep Shabbat
in the traditionally defined way, then I
am not observing the holiday. But this is
just an easy way out. Actually, as Reform
Jews, we are challenged to look at
tradition and see how it can increase the
holiness in our lives, while still living in a
modern world.
Most of us would agree
that nowadays the overall concept of
Shabbat is necessary.
The fact that it is
hard to take time out only emphasizes
how important Shabbat can be.
1
What to Teach our Children
The challenge is how can we as Reform Jews set aside one day a week to notice the
blessings of our lives and to connect with our tradition? We can do this by:
1. Setting a goal that the Friday meal is
eaten together as a family;
Friedman and Craig Taubman all have
Shabbat music for kids and families);
2. One Shabbat meal, everyone is invited
to share something about their week;
5. Collect coins
lighting
the
(charity);
3. One Shabbat meal, a bit of the Torah
portion can be discussed using the
Reform Movement’s “Family Shabbat
Table Talk” web page as a guide
(www.uahc.org/shabbat/);
from everyone before
Tz’dakah
candles
for
6. Even if you order in food, put a nice
table cloth on the table and do the
blessings over the children, candles,
wine, and challah;
4. Put Shabbat music on in the house
(Sue Epstein, Cindy Paley, Debbie
7. Serve dessert only on Shabbat, not the
rest of the week.
Teach our children that Shabbat is a fun family time. It is a time when we thank God
rather than complain. It is a time for sharing and special treats.
Vocabulary
Birkat
Y’ladim:
ohs¨¦ kh§ ,F© r§ C¦
Neirot:
,Ir¥b
Challah:
v¨Kj©
This three part blessing is said by the parents over all children after lighting the
Shabbat candles.
At least two candles (neirot) are lit approximately 18 minutes before
sundown (or, in Liberal homes, as soon as the family gathers for dinner).
Each candle refers to the two versions of the fourth commandment
concerning Shabbat (“to remember” and “to observe”). In addition some
families light an additional candle for each child in the family.
Hebrew for “Braided bread.” Originally this referred to the portion of each
batch of dough that was twisted off and set aside as an offering to the
Tabernacle. Today, challah refers to the special Shabbat loaf which is braided to
remind us of the portion twisted off as an offering.
Birkat
HaMazon: Hebrew for “Grace after meals.” Thanking God for the food based on the
commandment in Deuteronomy 8:10 “When you eat and are satisfied, you
iIzN̈v© ,F© r§ C¦
shall bless the Adonai your God for the land God has given you.”
2
More Vocabulary
Erev
Shabbat
,C̈J© cr¤
¤g
HaMotzi
thmIN
¦ v©
Havdalah
v¨ks̈c§ v©
Kabbalat
,C̈J©
The blessing said over bread (grains) before a meal or over challah on
Shabbat.
Hebrew for “separation.” Havdalah is a three part ceremony done at the end
of Shabbat separating Shabbat from the upcoming week. A special braided
candle, spices and wine/juice are used.
Shabbat Welcoming the Shabbat. This is the liturgy before the Friday night service in
which we sing Lecha Dodi (the famous poem welcoming Shabbat.)
,©kC̈e©
Keedush
JUSe¦
Oneg
Hebrew for “Shabbat Eve.” Traditionally begins 18 minutes before sundown
and is ushered in by the lighting of Shabbat candles.
Shabbat:
,C̈J© d¤b«g
Seedra/Parashah
vJ̈r̈p̈\vr̈s§ x¦
Tz’dakah
vës̈m§
Z’mirot
Hebrew for “Santification.” The term refers to the blessing over the
juice/wine for any holiday or life cycle occasion. On Friday night the
blessing begins with a reading/chanting of Genesis 2:1-3 followed by
“…borei p’ri hagafen” meaning “…who creates the fruit of the vine.”
Hebrew for “Shabbat delight/celebration.” The term refers to gatherings
held either Friday night or Saturday afternoon devoted to community
singing, dance, study, cultural discussions, or socializing.
Hebrew for “order.” Refers to the Torah portion of the week. Every week a
different portion of the Torah is read starting with Genesis on the Holiday of
Simchat Torah and continuing throughout the year. Each week every
synagogue in the world reads from the same Torah portion.
Tz’dakah is the giving of time or money to those in need because our
tradition commands us to do so. In addition, Tz’dakah’s purpose is to do
“tikun olam” to improve the world and to eventually create a world where
those who you are giving Tz’dakah to can do for themselves.
Hebrew for “songs” sung during the Shabbat meals.
,Irhn¦ z§
3
Activities
Recipes
Challah
This recipe is from The New York Times, Apr.
28, 1976
8.5 to 9 cups of sifted, unbleached flour
additional flour for kneading
2 packages of dry yeast
2.5 cups lukewarm water
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tblsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
4 large eggs
3/4 cup oil
3/4 cup plus 1/8 tsp. sugar
1 tblsp. poppy seeds or sesame seeds
(optional)
Be a Shabbat Angel
Collect food for Second Harvest of other food
pantries in Orange County. Bring them to TBS
or Second Harvest itself. Most packaged or
canned food is accepted. Pasta, peanut butter,
juice, baby food items and diapers are also
greatly appreciated. Also, participate in the
Adopt-a-Social-Worker Program by bringing
the suggested items recommended by the Social
Action Committee. These supplies can be
dropped off either in the front lobby of TBS or
near the CLC office. Shabbat is a good time for
all of us to learn the thrill of being able to help
someone else.
1. Place six cups of flour in a large mixing bowl
and make a well in the center. Blend the
yeast with one cup of the water and stir to
dissolve. Add this to the well in the flour.
Using a fork, start stirring around the well,
gradually incorporating one-quarter of the
flour – no more – into the yeast mixture.
When approximately that amount of flour is
blended into the yeast mixture, stop stirring.
There is no need to remove the fork, it will
be used for further stirring. Set the bowl in a
warm place (not too hot!) and let stand for
45 to 50 minutes.
2. Sprinkle the baking powder, cinnamon, and
salt over all. Add the vanilla, three of the
eggs, the oil and 3/4 cup of sugar. Add the
remaining water (1.5 cups) and blend again,
first with the fork and then with the hands.
Add two cups of flour, kneading and, if the
mixture is still too sticky, add an additional
cup of flour.
4
Recipes Continued
3. Work the mixture well with a wooden
spoon to make a stiff dough. If necessary,
add more flour. Work with the hands
about 10 minutes. When the dough
doesn’t stick to the hands (may require a
little more flour), it is ready. Shape the
mixture into a rather coarse ball and cover.
Let stand about 20 minutes and turn it
out onto a lightly floured board. Knead
well, adding a little more flour to the
board as necessary to prevent sticking.
The kneading, which must be thorough
and brisk, should take about five minutes.
Flour a bowl well and add the ball, turning
the dough to coat lightly with flour.
Cover again and let stand for 30 minutes.
extreme outer left rope over toward the
center next to the inside rope on the right.
Continue with this procedure, left to right
(this is arbitrary, it could be right to left),
until the loaf is braided and each rope has
been brought to the center. As the last
ropes are brought over, it will be necessary
to pull and stretch them a bit to get them
to fit.
7. When the braiding is finished, gather the
bottom ends of the ropes together and
pinch them together just as you did at the
top.
8. Meanwhile, generously oil the bottom
and sides of a rectangular baking pan (15.5
by 10.5 by 2.5 inches). Carefully gather
up the braided loaf, using hands and arms
to help sustain the shape, and place in the
pan.
4. Turn the dough onto a flat surface once
more and knead briefly. Using a knife,
slash off about one eighth of the dough at
a time. As each portion is cut off, knead
quickly and shape into a ball. Flour
lightly. Return each piece as it is kneaded
to a bowl to rest briefly. Continue until
all eight pieces are shaped and floured.
9. Cover the loaf with a towel and let stand
in a warm spot for one hour or longer.
Preheat the oven to 325º. Check the loaf
after one hour, it should be well puffed
and about twice its original volume (if not
wait a little longer).
5. Take one piece of dough at a time and
place it on a flat surface, rolling briskly
with the hands to make a “rope” about
12-15 inches in length. Continue until all
the balls are shaped thusly.
10. Beat the remaining egg with the
one-eighth teaspoon of sugar and brush
the loaf all over with the egg wash and
sprinkle (if desired) with the poppy or
sesame seeds.
6. Align the ropes vertically side by side and
touching. Start working at the top of the
ropes. Gather the tops of the ropes
together, one at a time, pinching down to
seal well. Separate the ropes down the
center, four ropes to a side. Braid the
ropes as follows: bring the extreme outer
right rope over toward the center next to
the inside rope on the left. Bring the
11. Place the loaf in the oven and bake
approximately one hour until well puffed,
cooked through and golden. Note: to get
an even browning, brush on more egg
during the baking as the loaf puffs.
5
More Recipes
Challah
(2 lb loaf for a bread machine)
/3 cup vegetable oil
¼ teaspoon salt
1¼ cup water
1
Put into bread machine in this order:
1 Cup Warm Water
2-1/4 tsp yeast (not rapid rise - but the
regular jar kind)
Scant 1/2 Cup Sugar
Scant 1/2 Cup vegetable oil
2 to 3 tsp Salt
1 whole egg + 1 egg yolk
4 Cups flour
Blanched whole almonds
1 egg, beaten
sesame seeds
Dissolve yeast in warm water with 1 teaspoon
of sugar. In a large mixing bowl, combine
yeast mixture with next 6 ingredients. Mix
and knead until a smooth dough forms
(about 6-7 minutes by hand or 3-4 minutes
in a heavy-duty mixer). Add more flour as
needed if too moist. Transfer dough to a
clean, lightly oiled bowl and cover with plastic
wrap. Let rise in a warm place for about 1½
hours, until doubled. Punch down dough and
allow to rise again for 15 minutes.
Set the machine on Sweet Dough. After the
machine is done, let it the dough rise again in
the machine. Punch it down, take it out, and
put it into an oiled bowl and cover it. Let it sit
for about an hour then punch it down, and
braid it. Place the Challah on a greased cookie
sheet, cover and let rise for another hour.
Before baking, brush with a beaten egg mixed
with a bit of water, sprinkle with sesame or
poppy seeds.
Divide the dough in half. Stretch one portion
into a “rope” and join the ends together.
Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Clip
the sides using scissors to a depth of about 1-2
inches about every 2 inches all the way
around. Insert an almond on the crown of the
rosca about every 2 inches. Repeat with
second half of dough and place on a second
parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow roscas
to rest for about 30 minutes.
Bake at 325º for 30-45 minutes, until golden
brown.
ROSCA
(Shabbat and holiday bread of the Jews of Rhodes)
1½ packets yeast
½ cup warm water
1 teaspoon sugar
Brush tops of the roscas with egg and sprinkle
with sesame seeds. Bake in an oven preheated
to 350© for about 25 minutes until roscas are
golden brown. Cool on racks.
5¼ to 5½ cups flour
(start with 5 cups and add as needed)
1
/3 cup sugar
2 eggs, beaten
6
Bibliography
Suggested Reading For Children:
TOT Shabbat
Written and illustrated by Camille Kress, published by the Union of American Hebrew
Congregations (www.uahcpress.com).
Mrs. Moskowitz and the Sabbath Candlesticks
Written and illustrated by Amy Schwartz, 1983. Published by the Jewish Publications Society,
1-800-234-3151 (www.jewishpub.org).
Sammy Spider’s First Shabbat
Written by Sylvia A. Rouss and illustrated by Katherine Janus Kahn, 1997. Published by Kar-Ben
Copies, Inc. (www.Karben.org)
Once Upon A Shabbos
Written by Jacquline Jules and illustrated by Katherine Janus Kahn, 1998. Published by Kar-Ben
Copies, Inc. (www.Karben.org)
God’s Garden: Children’s Stories Grown from the Bible
By Adam Fisher, 1999. Published by Behrman House, Inc. www.behrmanhouse.com). A Shabbat
story for every week of the year.
Sidrah Stories : A Torah Companion
By Steven M. Rosman, 1989. Published by the Union of American Hebrew Congregations.
(www.uahcpress.com). A Shabbat story for every week of the year.
For Adults:
UAHC web page for “Family Shabbat Table Talk” at (www.uahc.org/shabbat/).
Gates of Shabbat: A Guide for Observing Shabbat
Published by the Central Conference of American Rabbis.
7
Songs
CHIRI BIRI BIM (Yiddish)
Az ich vel zingen “L’cha dodi”
Zolst du zingen – chiri biri bim
Az ich vel zingen “Likrat Kala”
Zolst du zingen – chiri biri bom
L’cha dodi – chiri biri bim, Likrat Kala – chiri biri bom
L’cha dodi likrat kala – chiri biri biri biri bim bom bom
Chiri bim (chiri bom), chiri bom (chiri bim)
Chiri bim bom bim bom biri bom
Chiri bom (chiri bim), chiri bim (chiri bom)
Chiri bim bom bim bom biri bom
Ay chiri biri biri bim bom bom,
Ay chiri biri biri bim bom bom (2x)
SHABBAT FEELING
Verse 1
I’ve got that Shabbat feeling
Up in my head, up in my head, up in my head
I’ve got that Shabbat feeling up in my head
Up in my head to stay.
HAYOM YOM SHEESHEE
/vj̈Ubn§ ,C© J̈ ,C© J̈ rj̈n̈ hJh
¦ J¦ oIh oIhv©
Ha-yom yom shee-shee (2x)
Ma-har Shabbat, ma-har Shabbat,
Shabbat m'nu-cha. (2x)
“Today is Friday, tomorrow is Shabbat, Sabbath of rest.”
Verse 2 - down in my toes
Verse 3 - deep in my heart
Verse 4 - all over me
MINNIMET
Minnimet, minnimet minni, minni, minnimet
Minnimet, minnimet, minni mo
Gilli gilli gilli gilli good Shabbat, good Shabbat, good Shabbat (2x)
Shabbat, shabbat, I’m feeling fine
Shabbat can be a special time
Shabbat, shabbat, for you and me
So many things Shabbat can be.
8
More Songs
SABBATH TABLE
The challah bread, the kiddush cup,
the candles burning bright.
Will make my home a special place
on every Friday night.
I MET A LITTLE BIRDIE
I met a little birdie when I was far from home.
The birdie winked his shining eyes
and said “Shabbat Shalom.”
He took me to the synagogue
where all the birdies pray.
They had such pretty colored wings,
their voices were so gay.
The robin was the cantor.
He sang “Shabbat Shalom”
And after all the prayers were sung,
he brought me safely home,
to sleep.
THE SABBATH PRINCESS
The Sabbath table is like a princess,
Like a princess dressed in white.
She wears a crown of jeweled candles,
Jeweled candles sparkling bright.
FROM BOUGH TO BOUGH
From bough to bough on every tree
A bird to bird sings merrily
Shabbat, Shabbat Shalom (shalom) (2x)
U-m’vo-rach.
SHABBAT SHALOM
Shabbat Shalom, comes to our home
Each Friday night I sing it, “Shabbat Shalom”
“Shabbat Shalom” the candles glow
To tell us now’s the time for “Shabbat Shalom”
Sings flower to fern, sings lamb to sheep
With voices high, with voices deep
Shabbat shabbat shalom (shalom) (2x)
U-m’vo-rach.
BASHANA HABA’AH
Chorus:
Wait and see, wait and see
What a world it can be
If we care, if we share, you and me.
SMALL WORLD
It’s a world a laughter, a world of tears
It’s a world of hopes and a world of fears
There’s so much that we share,
that it’s time we’re aware
It’s a small world after all.
Soon the day will arrive when we will be
together
And no longer will man live in fear.
And the children will smile without their
wondering whether
On that day dark new clouds will appear.
Chorus:
It’s a small, small world.
Chorus
9
More Songs
HASHAVUAH – “THE WEEK”
Yom ree-shon, a-vo-dah.
/vs̈Ic£g 'iIJtr¦ oIh
Yom shei-nee, a-vo-dah.
/vs̈Ic£g 'h¦bJ¥ oIh
Yom shlee-shee, a-vo-dah, a-vo-dah.
/vs̈Ic£g 'vs̈Ic£g 'hJh
¦ oIh
¦ lJ
Yom r’vi-i, a-vo-dah.
/vs̈Ic£g 'hgh
¦ c¦ r§ oIh
Yom cha-mee-shee, a-vodah.
/vs̈Ic£g 'hX¦ n£
¦ j oIh
Yom ha-shee-shee, a-vo-dah, a-vo-dah.
/vs̈Ic£g 'vs̈Ic£g 'hX¦ X¦ v© oIh
Yom Shabbat, yom seem-ha.
/vj̈n§ G¦ oIh ',C̈J© oIh
Yom Shabbat, yom ree-nah.
/vB̈r¦ oIh ',C̈J© oIh
Yom Shabbat m’nu-ha, m’nu-ha.
/vj̈Ubn§ 'vj̈Ubn§ ,C̈J© oIh
“Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday – Work!
The Sabbath is a day of joy and song, a day of rest.”
MAGIC PENNY
Love is something if you give it away, give it away, give it away
Love is something if you give it away
It comes right back to you.
It’s like a magic penny
Hold it tight and you won’t have any
Lend it, spend it, give it away.
It comes right back to you.
10
More Songs
WONDERFUL WORLD
If we could consider each other
A neighbor, a friend or a brother
It could be a wonderful, wonderful world!
It could be a wonderful world, oh yes!
It could be a wonderful world.
SHABBAT ANGELS
The Shabbat Angels are peeking
Through the window.
While Ema lights the candles
And everyone’s at home.
Chorus: Shab-bat Sha-lom
Shab-bat Sha-lom
Shab-bat Sha-lom
The Shabbat Angeles are peeking
Through the window.
While Aba says the Kiddush
And everyone’s at home. Chorus:
The Shabbat Angeles are peeking
Through the window.
While children eat the challah
If each little kid could have fresh milk each day
If each working man had enough time to play
If each homeless soul had a good place to stay
If there were no poor and the rich were
content
If strangers were welcome wherever they went
If each of us knew what true brotherhood
meant
SHIR LA LA LA
Shir La.... La..... La...
Tov Li.....Li....Li....
Bom Bom.... Bom Bom
SHABABA SHABBAT SHALOM
Sha ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba
Shabbat shalom (3x)
Shabbat Shalom is the day of rest. (3x)
That’s the day that we like best.
The Shabbat candles are burning bright. (3x)
When we light them on Friday night.
The Shabbat challah is good to eat. (3x)
On Friday night, it’s a special treat.
THANK YOU GOD
Barukh Atah ADONAI,
Thank you God.
Thank you for the challah
That always tastes so fine.
Barukh Atah ADONAI,
Thank you God.
HEENEI MAH TOV
Thank for you my Mommy
Thank you for my Dad.
They love when I’m happy
They love when I’m sad.
Thank you for my friends.
Thank you for my toys.
Thank you God for watching
Over all the girls and boys.
ohgb̈
¦ vnU
© cIy vn© v¥bv¦
sj©
© h o©d ohj¦ t© ,c¤ J¤
Hee-nei mah tov u-ma na-eem
she-vet a-heem gam ya-had.
“Behold how good and pleasant it is for brothers to dwell
together in unity.”
11
More Songs
LISTEN
If you’re lost; you feel afraid,
And you don’t know what to say
Then listen, listen to our God.
Is there a question on your mind?
Is the answer hard to find?
Then listen, listen to our God.
Listen with all your heart and soul,
And with all your might.
Write them and learn them and teach them well
Every morning and night
Close your eyes and listen.
Quiet yourself; there’s nothing to say,
Stop all the chatter that gets in the way
And listen, listen to our God.
When the wind and thunder finally disappear
There’s still a voice that you can hear
If you listen, listen to our God.
You can hear it from the top of the highest hill
Or from the valley below
It can come from the edge of the universe
It can come from within your soul
Close your eyes and listen.
Sh’ma Yisrael, ADONAI e-lo-hei-nu,
'Ubh«v«k¡
¥ t ḧ§h 'ktr̈
¥ G¦
§h
ADONAI e-had.
gn© J§
/sj̈« t¤ ḧ§h
Ba-rukh sheim k’vod mal-khu-to l’o-lam va-ed.
12
/s¤gü o¨kIg§k I,Uf§kn© sIcF§ oJ¥ QUrC̈
More Songs
L’KHAH
Chorus:
hsus vfk
DODEE1
L’khah do-dee leek-rat ka-lah.
/v¨KF© ,tr© e¦
§ k hsIs
¦ vf̈§k
P’nei Shabbat n’ka-b’lah.
/v¨kC§ e§
© b ,C̈J© h¥bP§
Come, my beloved, let us go out to greet and bid welcome to the Shabbat.
Sha-mor v’za-khor b’dee-bur e-had
sj̈t¤ rUCs¦ C§ rIfz̈u§ rInJ̈
heesh-mee-a-nu eil ha-m’yu-had,
'sj̈ªhN§ v© kt¥ Ub«g̈hn¦ a§ v¦
ADONAI e-had u-sh’mo e-had.
/sj̈t¤ InaU
§ sj̈t¤ ḧ§h
L’sheim ul-teef-e-ret v’leet-hee-lah.
/v¨Kv¦ ,¦
§ ku§ ,r«¤t¤ p§ ,§
¦ kU oJ§
¥k
“Observe” and “Remember” in one holy command; God made us understand that ADONAI is One and One is God’s
name. To God, we render all honor, all glory, and all praise.
Chorus
Leek-rat Shabbat l’khu v’neil-khah,
'vf̈§k¥bu§ Uf§k ,C̈J© ,tr© e¦
§k
kee hee m’kor ha-b’ra-khah,
'vf̈r̈C§ v© rIen§ thv¦ hF¦
mei-rosh mee-ke-dem n’su-khah,
'vf̈Ux§b os¤ E«¤ n¦ Jt«rn¥
sof ma-a-seh b’ma-ha-sha-vah t’hee-lah.
/v¨Kj¦ T§ vc̈J̈£jn© C§ vG£
¤ gn© ;Ix
To greet the Shabbat, now let us go, for it is the Source from which all blessing flows. From the first was it designed,
the last of creation but first in God’s mind.
Chorus
1. The Talmud recounts the practice of Rabbi Hanina who would dress in his Shabbat finest and go out at sunset on Friday and exclaim,
“Come, let us go out to welcome the Shabbat Queen!” Rabbi Yanina would do similarly and say, “Come, O Bride! Come, O Bride!”
These accounts inspired the L’khah Dodee, which is sung at the climax of the Kabbalat Shabbat.
The hsIs
¦ vf̈§k (L’khah Dodee) was composed by one of the mystic poets who lived in Safed in northern Israel, which flourished as a
center of mysticism since the 15th century C.E. The composer, Shlomoh HaLevy Alkabetz, left his signature in an acrostic formed by
the first letter of each stanza as found in the complete text of the hymn.
¦ vf̈§k, is the vb̈hf¦ J§ (Sh’kheenah), or
According to the mystical traditions of the Kabbalah, the v¨KF© (Kallah), referred to in the hsIs
“Presence of God.” The vb̈hf¦ J§ symbolizes the close and nurturing aspect of God. The Kabbalists taught that the vb̈hf¦ J§ has been
driven to a lower sphere of Creation due to human frailty and sinfulness. But, on Shabbat, it is elevated to a higher plane by the
sanctity of the holy day. We are obliged to rejoice with it and celebrate the closeness. Thus, every Shabbat is a sacred opportunity to
bring God’s Presence into our lives.
13
Heet-o-r’ree heet-o-r’ree kee
hF¦ hr¦rIg
§ ,§ v¦ hr¦rIg
§ ,§ v¦
va o-reikh ku-mee o-ree,
'hrI¦ t« hnU
¦ e« Q¥rIt tc̈
u-ree u-ree sheer da-bei-ree,
'hr«¦C¥ s© rhJ¦ hrU¦ g« hrU¦ g«
k’vod ADONAI a-la-yeekh neeg-lah.
/v¨kd¦§ b Q¦h«©kg̈ ḧ§h sIcF§
Awake! Awake! For now your light has come! Arise, shine, awake and sing; the glory of God is upon you.
Chorus
It is customary to rise here and face the door to greet the Shabbat.
¦ (Bo-ee Kha-lah) “Enter, O Noblest of Days!”
When saying the words vK̈©f htIC
- we bow in greeting.
Bo-ee v’sha-lom a-te-ret ba-lah
V¨kg§ C© ,r«
¤y£
¤ g oIkJ̈c§ htI
¦ C«
gam b’seem-khah uv-tzo-ho-lah
v¨kv‘ m’ cU
§ vj̈n§ G¦ C§ o©D
tokh e-mu-nei am s’gu-lah,
'v¨KªDx§ og© h¥bUn¡t QIT
bo-ee kha-lah, bo-ee kha-lah.
/v¨Kf© htI
¦ C« 'v¨Kf© htI
¦ C«
Enter in peace, O Crown of your people. Enter in gladness, enter in joy. Come to the people that keeps its faith.
Enter, O Noblest of Days! Enter, O Noblest of Days!
Chorus
SHABBAT
vfknv ,ca
HAMALKAH
Ha-ha-mah mei-rosh ha-ee-la-not nees-tal-kah,
'vë§KT© x¦
§ b ,Ib¨kht¦ v̈ Jt«rn¥ vN̈j© v©
bo-u v’nei-tzei leek-rat Shabbat ha-mal-kah.
/vF̈§kN© v© ,C̈J© ,tr© e¦
§ k t¥m¥bu§ Ut«C
Hee-nei hee yo-re-det, ha-k’du-shah ha-b’ru-khah,
'vf̈UrC§ v© vJ̈Ise§ v© ',s¤ rIh
¤ thv¦ v¥Bv¦
v’ee-mah mal-a-kheem, tz’va sha-lom um-nu-cha.
/vj̈UbnU
§ oIkJ̈ tc̈m§ 'ohf¦ ẗ§kn© vN̈g¦ u§
/vF̈§kN© v© ht«¦ C 'ht«¦ C
Bo-ee, bo-ee ha-mal-kah.
/v¨kF© v© ht«¦ C 'ht«¦ C
Bo-ee, bo-ee ha-ka-lah.
/oIkẌv© h¥ft
£ k§ n© 'o¤fh¥k£g oIkJ̈
Sha-lom a-lei-khem, mal-a-khei ha-sha-lom.
The sun on the treetops no longer is seen,
Come gather to welcome the Sabbath, our queen.
Behold her descending, the holy, the blessed,
And with her the angels of peace and of rest.
14
Draw near, draw near and here abide,
Draw near, draw near, O Sabbath bride.
Peace also to you, you angels of peace.
More Songs
SHALOM
ofhkg ouka
ALEIKHEM
',¥rẌv© h¥ft
£ k§ n© 'o¤fh¥k£g oIkJ̈
Sha-lom a-lei-khem, mal-a-khei ha-sha-reit,
'iIh§kg¤ h¥ft
£ k§ n©
mal-a-khei el-yon,
'ohf¨
¦ kN§ v© h¥fk§ n© Q¤kN«¤ n¦
mee-me-lekh mal-khei ha-m’la-kheem,
/tUv QUrC̈ JIsËv©
ha-ka-dosh ba-rukh hu.
Bo-a-khem l’sha-lom, mal-a-khei ha-sha-lom,
'oIkẌv© h¥ft
£ k§ n© 'oIkJ̈§k o¤ft
£ IC
'iIh§kg¤ h¥ft
£ k§ n©
mal-a-khei el-yon,
'ohf¨
Ba-r’khu-nee l’sha-lom, mal-a-khei ha-sha-lom,
'oIkẌv© h¥ft
£ k§ n© 'oIkJ̈§k h¦bUf« rC̈
§
'iIh§kg¤ h¥ft
£ k§ n©
mal-a-khei el-yon,
'ohf¨
Tzeit-khem l’sha-lom, mal-a-khei ha-sha-lom,
'oIkẌv© h¥ft
£ k§ n© 'oIkJ̈§k o¤f,t¥
§ m
'iIh§kg¤ h¥ft
£ k§ n©
mal-a-khei el-yon,
'ohf¨
Welcome guardian angels of the Most High, the Holy One, blessed be God. Come in peace, bless us with peace and
may you leave in peace, O angels of peace, angels of the Most High, the Holy One, blessed be God.
15
Blessings
SHABBAT
PRAYERS
Light the candles (the candles are lit, then the blessing is said) and say:
Ba-rukh a-tah, ADONAI e-lo-hei-nu, me-lekh ha-o-lam,
'o¨kIgv̈ Q¤kn«¤ 'Ubh«v«k¡
¥ t ḧ§h 'vT̈t© QUrC̈
a-sher kee-d’sha-nu b’meetz-vo-tav,
'uh,̈Im§ n¦ C§ Ub«J̈S§ e¦ rJ£
¤t
v’tzee-va-nu l’had-leek neir shel Shabbat.
/,C̈J© kJ¤ r¥b eh¦ks§ v§
© k Ub«Üm¦ u§
We praise You, ADONAI our God, Eternal Soul of the universe, who makes us holy through the
Mitzvah of kindling the Shabbat lights.
THE BLESSING OF THE CHILDREN
recited by parent(s)
For A Boy
Y’seem-kha Elohim k’Efraim v’khee-M’nasheh.
/vJ©
¤ bn§ f¦ u§ o¦hr© p§ t¤ F§ ohv«k¡
¦ t Wn§ G§
¦h
May God inspire you to live in the spirit of Ephraim and Menasheh, who carried forward the
traditions of our people.
For A Girl
Y’see-meikh Elohim k’Sarah, Rivkah, Raheil, v’Leah.
/vẗ¥ku§ 'kjr̈
¥ 'vëc§ r¦ 'vr̈G̈F§ ohv«k¡
¦ t Qn¥ G§
¦h
May God inspire you to live in the spirit of Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel and Leah, who carried forward the
traditions of our people.
16
More Blessings
FOR ALL CHILDREN
Y’va-re-kh’kha ADONAI v’yeesh-m’re-kha.
/W«r¤n§ J¦
§ hu§ ḧ§h Wf§ rc̈§
¤ h
May God bless you and watch over you.
Ya-eir ADONAI pa-nav ei-le-kha vee-hu-ne-ka.
/‚«B¤jª hu¦ Wh«k¤ t¥ uhb̈P̈ ḧ§h rtḧ
¥
May God’s light shine upon You and may God be kind to you.
Yee-sa ADONAI pa-nav ei-le-kha v’ya-seim l’kha sha-lom.
/oIkJ̈ W§k oGḧ
¥ u§ Wh«k¤ t¥ uhb̈P̈ ḧ§h tG̈¦h
May God look kindly upon you and grant you peace.
17
More Blessings
THE BLESSING OF WINE/GRAPE JUICE AND FOOD
Before Drinking Wine Or Grape Juice
KEEDUSH1
bo-rei p’ree ha-ga-fen. (Amen).
JUSe¦
/(in¥ ẗ) /ip«¤ D̈v© hr¦P§ t¥rIC
We praise You, ADONAI our God, Eternal Soul of the universe, who creates the fruit of the vine.
(Amen).
a-sher kee-d’sha-nu b’meetz-vo-tav
uh,̈Im§ n¦ C§ Ub«J̈S§ e¦ rJ£
¤t
v’ra-tzah va-nu, v’Shabbat kod-sho
IJs§ e’ ,C© J© u§ 'Ub«c̈ vm̈«r̈u§
b’a-ha-vah uv-ra-tzon heen-hee-la-nu
Ub«¨khj§
¦ bv¦ iImr̈cU
§ vc̈£vt© C§
zee-ka-ron l’ma-a-seih v’rei-sheet,
',hJt¥
¥ gn§
© k iIrF̈z¦
¦ rc§ vG£
kee hu yom t’hee-lah l’meek-ra-ei ko-desh,
'Js«¤ e ht«
¥ r̈e§ n§
¦ k v¨Kj¦ T§ oIh tUv hF¦
zei-kher lee-tzee-at Mitzrayim,
'o¦hr̈« m§ n¦ ,th
© mh¦
¦ k r¤f«z¥
kee va-nu va-har-ta v’o-ta-nu kee-dash-ta
T̈J§ S«©e¦ Ub«,̈Itu§ T̈r«§ jc̈
© Ub«c̈ hF¦
mee-kol ha-a-meem, v’Shabbat kod-sh’kha
WJ§ s§ e’ ,©CJ© u§ 'ohN©
¦ gv̈ k’Fn¦
b’a-ha-vah uv-ra-tzon heen-hal-ta-nu.
/Ub«T̈§kj§
© bv¦ iImr̈cU
§ vc̈£vt© C§
Ba-rukh a-tah, ADONAI, m’ka-deish ha-Shabbat. Amen.
/in¥ ẗ /,C̈X© v© JS¥e© n§ 'ḧ§h 'vT̈t© QUrC̈
1. The JUSe¦ (Keedush), together with the blessing of the candles (see the note on page ix of the Introduction), introduces the Shabbat
service as a oIHv© JUSe¦ (Keedush haYom), a sanctification of the day. Shabbat is more than a day of the week; it is a mystical
creation of God in partnership with the individual Jew. By making the period of time between sundown Friday and sundown Saturday
special, unlike any other day of the week, we create Shabbat. And, in sanctifying the seventh day, we become sanctified. It is through
holy actions that we create holiness in our lives. The light of the Shabbat candles and the sweetness of the JUSe¦ wine remind us of
this beautiful truth.
Traditionally, the JUSe¦ is recited at the end of the service, before the Ubh«¥kg̈ (Aleinu). It was recited as an accomodation to wayfarers
who might not be able to say JUSe¦ at home. We say JUSe¦ at this point in our Siddur to symbolize the family celebration as done at
home. Those who return home for the Shabbat meal should also recite the blessings at home.
18
More Blessings
Mitzvot and who has given us the holy Shabbat in love as an inheritance commemorating the
Creation. It is the foremost day of all holy assemblies, reminding us of the Exodus from Egypt. You
have chosen us and distinguished us from all other peoples by giving us Your holy Shabbat as a
precious heritage.
We praise You, ADONAI, who sanctifies the Shabbat.
Before The Meal (Or Before Eating Bread)
Ba-rukh a-tah, ADONAI e-lo-hei-nu,
'Ubh«v«k¡
me-lekh ha-o-lam,
'o¨kIgv̈ Q¤kn«¤
ha-mo-tzee le-chem meen ha-a-retz.
/.r¤ẗv̈ ihn¦ oj¤
¤ k thmIN
¦ v©
We praise You, ADONAI our God, Eternal soul of the universe, who brings forth bread from the
earth.
Enjoy making your Shabbat!
(After meals, turn to the Birkat HaMazon.)
19
Rosh HaShanah
Rosh HaShanah (vb̈J̈v© Jt«r) is Hebrew for “head of the
year,” in other words, the beginning of the year on
the 1st of Tishrei.
The holiday is most commonly
referred to as “the Jewish New Year,” and some refer
to it as the “birthday of the world.”
According to
rabbinic legend, it is the day on which Sarah first
learned that she would have a child, the day on which
Isaac was born, and the day on which Hannah learned
that she would have a son.
Holiday

Checklist
Shofar (horn)
Honey & Apples
Challah (round)
Candles and Candlesticks
Keedush Cup
Rosh HaShanah is also the first of the “High Holy Days,” and it begins the most
spiritually intense part of the Jewish year—the Yamim Nora’im (ohtr̈Ib
¦
ohnḧ)
¦ , the Days
of Awe. This period lasts for ten days and ends with Yom Kippur (rUPF¦ oIh, see the
section on Yom Kippur). It is devoted to a careful examination of who we are in an
attempt to become cognizant of the ways we have failed—failed others, failed our own
selves, and failed God.
Rosh HaShanah can also be seen as a joyful beginning to a
difficult process—a process that culminates in the more somber holiday of Yom Kippur.
What to Teach Our Children
It may be useful to begin a discussion on Rosh HaShanah with a discussion of birthdays.
After all, Rosh HaShanah is the “birthday of the world.” What do the children do to
celebrate birthdays?
Do they like it when theirs comes around?
Also, the sweet
symbolism of apples and honey might be an interesting topic—do your children like
apples?
Do they like honey?
Is there any other time of year when they eat them
together as they do on Rosh HaShanah?
On the afternoon of Rosh HaShanah, families
from Temple Beth Sholom gather at a park with a
water source to observe the ceremony of Tashlich
(see vocabulary).
Attending this ceremony can
become a family outing and give parents an
opportunity to talk to children about making
positive changes in behavior.
1
Vocabulary
Apples & Honey
Jc© sU§ ohjUP
¦ ,©
Days of Awe
ohtr̈Ib
¦ ohnḧ
¦
L’Shanah
Tovah
Tapuheem u-D’vash. On the Eve of Rosh HaShanah and during the holiday,
a piece of apple dipped in honey is eaten. The act is meant to symbolize the
hope for sweetness in the coming year.
Yameem Nora’eem, or Ten Days of Repentance (Aseret Y’may T’shuvah),
refers to the ten days from Rosh HaShanah to Yom Kippur. According to
the Talmud, on Rosh HaShanah the wholly righteous are inscribed in the
Book of Life. For others, judgement is suspended until Yom Kippur, when
our good works and acts of repentance can still tilt the balance in our favor.
During this period, emphasis is placed on the sincerity of one’s repentance.
Teekateivu
(V’teehateimu)
(Un,¥ j̈,¦ u)§ Uc,F̈
¥ ,¦ vc̈Iy vb̈J̈§k
“May you be inscribed (and sealed) for a good year.” This is the Rosh
HaShanah greeting which expresses the hope that all friends and loved ones
will be written and sealed in the Book of Life, and granted happiness and
fulfillment in the year ahead.
Mahzor
rIzj§ n©
Rosh
HaShanah
vb̈J̈v© Jt«r
Sheheheyanu
Ub«ḧj¡ v¤ J¤
Shofar
rp̈IJ
Tashleekh
Qh¦kJ§ ,©
The word Mahzor means “cycle” and refers to the prayer book used during
the High Holy Days.
Literally, “head of the year.” The term does not occur in the bible; however,
by the time the Mishnah was completed (c. 220 CE), it was in common
usage.
“In praise of the One who has kept us alive.” This prayer is recited at the
beginning of Rosh Hashanah and the festivals, at joyous life cycle events, for
new ventures, and gatherings of family and friends.
The shofar is made from the horn of a ram. It is sounded every morning
during the month of Elul preceding Rosh HaShanah, on Rosh HaShanah
itself, and again at the conclusion of Yom Kippur. Some say that its piercing
sound is a wake-up call that reminds people to engage in the process of
repentance.
Literally, “cast” or “throw.” On Rosh HaShanah, it is a tradition to throw
pocket lint or bread crumbs into a river, stream, or the ocean to cast sins
symbolically into the water.
2
Blessings
a-sher kee-d’sha-nu b’meetz-vo-tav, v’tzee-va-nu
Ub«Üm¦ u§ 'uh,̈Im§ n¦ C§ Ub«J̈S§ e¦ rJ£
¤t
l’had-leek neir shel (Shabbat v’shel) yom tov.
/cIy oIh (kJ¤ u§ ,C̈J)
¤ r¥b eh¦ks§ v§
©k
© kJ
Mitzvah of kindling the (Shabbat and) festival lights.
O Eternal God, as we gather together with family and friends on this eve of Rosh HaShanah, we pray
that the New Year will be filled with accomplishment and satisfaction, with loving-kindness, justice
and peace.
Inspire us to work with You in bringing about a world where everyone may enjoy the blessings
of health and prosperity, of integrity and goodness.
May our New Year hopes be transformed into New Year realities by the work of our hands and our
faith in You, O God, our Creator and Deliverer, who sanctifies Israel and the New Year.
Ba-rukh a-tah ADONAI e-lo-hei-nu me-lekh ha-o-lam,
she-he-he-ya-nu v’kee-y’ma-nu v’hee-gee-a-nu
Ub«g̈hD¦ v¦ u§ Ub«n̈H§ e¦ u§ Ub«ḧj¡ v¤ J¤
la-z’man ha-zeh.
/v¤Zv© in© Z©§k
We praise You, ADONAI our God, Eternal Soul of the universe, who has given us life, sustained us,
and enabled us to celebrate this joyous season.
3
More Blessings
JUSe¦
KEEDUSH
(Amen).
On Shabbat, add the words in parentheses.
'Ubh«v«k¡
me-lekh ha-o-lam,
a-sher ba-har ba-nu mee-kol am,
'og̈Îk’Fn¦ Ub«C̈ rj«
© C̈ rJ£
¤t
v’ro-m’ma-nu mee-kol la-shon,
'iIJ¨kÎk’Fn¦ Ub«n̈nIr
§ u§
v’keed-sha-nu b’meetz-vo-tav, va-tee-ten la-nu,
Ub«¨kÎiT¤ T©
¦ u 'uh,̈Im§ n¦ C§ Ub«J̈S§ e¦ u§
ADONAI e-lo-hei-nu, b’a-ha-vah et yom
oIhÎ,t¤ vc̈£vt© C§ Ubh«v«k¡
¥ t ḧ§h
(ha-Shabbat ha-zeh v’et yom)
(oIhÎ,t¤ u§ v¤Zv© ,C̈X© v)
©
ha-zee-ka-ron ha-zeh --- yom t’ru-ah,
'vg̈UrT§ oIh --- v¤Zv© iIrF̈Z¦v©
meek-ra ko-desh, zei-kher lee-tzee-at Mitzrayim.
/o¦hr̈m§ n¦ ,th
© mh¦
¦ k r¤fz¥ 'Js«¤ e tr̈e§ n¦
Kee va-nu va-har-ta v’o-ta-nu kee-dash-ta
T̈J§ S«©e¦ Ub«,̈Itu§ T̈r«©
§ jc̈ Ub«c̈ÎhF¦
mee-kol ha-a-mim,
'ohN¦ g© v̈Îk’Fn¦
u-d’var-kha e-met v’ka-yam la-ad.
/sg¨
© k oḦe© u§ ,n¡
¤ t Wrc̈
§ sU§
Ba-rukh a-tah, ADONAI, me-lekh al kol ha-a-retz,
'.r«¤ẗv̈Îk’F kg© Q¤kn«¤ 'ḧ§h 'vT̈t© QUrC̈
m’ka-deish (ha-Shabbat v’) Yisrael v’yom ha-zee-ka-ron.
4
/iIrF̈Z¦v© oIhu§ ktr̈
¥ G¦
§ h (u§ ,C̈X© v)
© JS¥e© n§
More Blessings
We praise You, ADONAI our God, Eternal Soul of the universe. You have chosen us and given us a
unique destiny because You made us holy through Your Mitzvot. ADONAI our God, in love you
have given us (this Shabbat and) this day of memorial, a day of sounding the horn, as a reminder of
the Exodus from Egypt. You have chosen us and sanctified us from among all peoples. Your words
of truth stand for ever.
We praise You, ADONAI our God, Eternal Soul of the universe, who sanctifies (the Shabbat,) Israel
and this day of memorial.
Before A Meal (Or Before Eating Bread)
'Ubh«v«k¡
me-lekh ha-o-lam,
¤ k thmIN
¦ v©
We praise You, ADONAI our God, Eternal Soul of the universe, who brings forth bread from the
earth.
Before Eating Apples and Honey
'Ubh«v«k¡
me-lekh ha-o-lam, bo-rei p’rei ha-eitz.
/.¥gv̈ hr¦P§ t¥rIC 'o¨kIgv̈ Q¤kn«¤
We praise You, Adonai our God, Eternal Soul of the universe, who creates the fruit of the tree.
Y’hee ra-tzon mee-l’fa-ne-kha,
'W¤bp̈§kn¦ iImr̈ h¦ v§h
ADONAI e-lo-hei-nu vei-lo-hei a-vo-tei-nu v’ee-mo-tei-nu,
she-t’ha-deish a-lei-nu sha-nah to-vah u-mee-tu-kah.
Ubh«,IN
¥ t¦ u§ Ub«,Ic£
¥ t hv«kt¥
¥ u Ubhv«k¡
¥ t ḧ§h
/vëU,nU
¦ vc̈Iy vb̈J̈ Ubh¥kg̈ JS¥j© T§ J¤
May it be Your will, Adonai our God, God of our fathers and mothers, that the New Year be good
and sweet for us.
5
Activities
Making Rosh HaShanah Cards
To make a 5” x 61/2” card, start with a paper that is 9-1/2” x 13”. Fold it in
half (illustration A) and then in half again, arriving at the finished 5” x
6-1/2” card in a double thickness.
If you are using handmade papers, like rice papers, notice that there are
textured edges formed by the papermaking process. Try to keep one of
the textured edges rough on the 13” side of the card. When folded, this
edge will produce a very attractive effect.
Now that you have the actual card size prepared, you can either
decorate the card as it is, or add a second texture of paper for a
more sophisticated design. We’ve lightly glued the bottom edge
of a strip of envelope stock to the front of the card and folded it
over the edge so that it continues inside, where the opposite
edge is also lightly glued. On the card positioned horizontally,
with the folded edge at the top, this makes another writing
surface on the inside of the card (illustration B).
To decorate, assemble your trimming papers and cut motifs,
such as the Star of David. You might make a three-dimensional
Star of David by cutting out equilateral triangles of different sizes
from tissue paper and stacking them up on the card. In addition,
the overlapping tissue papers create new colors. Use just a dot of
glue in the center of the triangles (or on the corners for heavier
paper).
Making
Envelopes
Measure an envelope pattern from newsprint or drawing paper
according to illustration C. Cut it out and fold on the dotted
lines to create your envelope. It should be slightly larger than
your card. If the size is right, trace the pattern onto your
envelope art paper. Cut it out and crease on the dotted lines,
using a ruler, if necessary, to make a smooth crease. Apply
glue lightly to the outer edges of the bottom flap
(illustration D) and fold up the bottom. When you are ready
to mail your card, use a thin line of white glue on the top flap
to seal, or use sealing wax.
6
Activities (continued)
Memory Jars
To celebrate these past and future sweet occasions, create a Sweet Memories and Wishes Jar. Have
the children decorate a glass jar - maybe even one previously used for honey - using non-toxic/kid
safe glass paints which are available in most craft stores (follow manufacturer’s instructions for use).
On slips of paper, record the sweet events that the family experienced in the previous year and/or
have family members compose sweet wishes for each other for the coming year.
Honey Cup
Materials
1. Give each child a big piece of clay. Have them work the clay
by kneading, banging, and throwing it (great for developing
Clay
muscles in their hands necessary for fine motor skills).
Rolling pin (or something to
2. Let them roll out the clay until it is flat, but not too thin.
roll the clay flat)
3. Each child should work with a partner for this step. The Popsicle sticks
children should take turns tracing (carving) out each others’ Plastic cups
hands using one of the popsicle sticks.
4. Help the children glue a plastic cup onto the center of their
clay hands.
5. Gently fold clay fingers around plastic cup so that it looks as if the hand is holding
t
the cup.
6. Let dry and apply Modge Podge to seal.
7. Line the first cup with a second cup to avoid having to wash the Honey Cup.
Round Challah Cover
We use a round challah on Rosh Hashanah to symbolize that
this is the beginning of a new year and a new cycle in our lives.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Use a 12-inch pot cover to draw a circle on the tissue paper.
Cut out the circle.
Glue the doily to the center of the circle.
When it’s dry, write “Challah” or “Rosh HaShanah” in the
center of the doily with the pens.
5. Cut small holiday symbols out of the colored paper and glue
them on the doily.
7
Materials
A dark piece of tissue paper
A 10” round doily
Colorful wrapping paper or

construction paper
Glue
A rag
Pencil and felt pens
A lid from a pot
Scissors
Recipes
Honey Cake
3 cups sifted flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons lemon zest
Pinch of cloves
1 teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt
3 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 cup liquid honey
1 cup boiled black coffee
2 tablespoons oil
½ cup slivered almonds
Preheat the oven to 350© F. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, lemon zest, spices and salt
together. Set aside. Beat eggs until thick and light, about 5 minutes. Add sugar gradually and beat
well. Add the honey, then the coffee and the shortening; blend well.
Add the dry ingredients to the egg-honey mixture. Beat until well blended. Sprinkle nuts on the
bottom of a loaf pan that has been greased and lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350© F for
35-40 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes. Turn out on rack.
8
Songs
L’SHANAH
HAG SAMEAH
TOVAH
Un,¥ j̈,¦ u§ Uc,F̈
Hag sameah, hag sameah
La la la la la la la
L’sha-nah to-vah ti-ka-tei-vu
L-sha-nah to-vah ti-ka-tei-vu
Ti-ka-tei-vu, v’tei-cha-tei-mu.
May you have a happy New Year
A good year, a peaceful year, a very sweet
year.
Shiru shiru shiru shiru hag sameah
Or: May you be inscribed in the book of
life for a good new year!
L’SHANAH
“Happy Holiday! Happy Holiday!
Sing out loud: Happy Holiday!”
TOVAH
Un,¥ j̈,¦ u§ Uc,F̈
L’sha-nah to-vah tee-ka-tei-vu
A Happy New Year to you.
Tee-ha-tei-mu
The same to you.
TAPUCHIM
j© n¥ G̈ dj© UrhJ¦
HAPPY ROSH HASHANAH TO YOU
Happy Rosh HaShanah to you
May the New Year bring you joy and laughter
Sound the shofar, live in peace ever after
Everybody pray for shalom
May the joy of peace fill your home
Happy Rosh HaShanah to you.
U-D’VASH
vb̈J̈v© Jt«rk§ Jc© sU§ ohjUP
¦ ,©
Ta-pu-heem u-d’vash, l’Rosh HaShanah (2x)
Sha-nah to-vah, sha-nah me-tu-ka (2x)
Ta-pu-chim u-d’vash, l’Rosh Ha-Sha-nah.
Apples and honey for the new year
Apples and honey, Rosh HaShanah’s here.
A very good year, a very sweet year
Apples and honey for the new year.
Or Apples dipped in honey …
9
Bibliography
For Adults:
All About Rosh Hashanah
by Judyth Groner and Madeline
Wikler, illustrated by Bonnie Gordon
Lucas. Rockville, Maryland: Kar-Ben
Copies, Inc., 1997.
Gates of Awe: Holy Day Prayers for Young
Children.
New York: Central Conference of
American Rabbis, 1991.
Beginning Anew: A Woman’s Companion to
the High HolyDays
Edited by Gail Twersky Reimer &
Judith A. Kates.
A Rosh Hashanah Walk
by Carol Levin, illustrated by Katherine
Janus Kahn. Rockville, Maryland:
Kar-Ben Copies, Inc., 1987.
Also see The Jewish Parent Page on the web at
www.uahc.org/educate/parent/
How the Rosh Hashanah Challah Became
Round
by Sylvia B. Epstein, illustrated by Hagit
Migron. New York: Gefen, 1993.
Sammy Spider’s First Rosh Hashanah
by Sylvia A. Rouss, illustrated by
Katherine Janus Kahn. Rockville, MD:
The Shofar Calls to Us
Wikler, illustrated by Katherine Janus
Kahn. Board Book published by
Kar-Ben Copies, Inc. (Rockville,
Maryland), 1991.
The World’s Birthday: A Rosh Hashanah Story
by Barbara Diamond Goldin, illustrated
by Jeanette Winter. San Diego:
Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1990.
10
Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur, also known as “the Day of
Atonement,” is the last of the yamim
nora’im (ohtr̈Ib
¦
ohnḧ
¦ ), the ten Days of
Awe) which begin with Rosh HaShanah.
In some ways, it is the most somber of
the
Jewish
holidays,
because
it
emphasizes human failings and our need
to do t’shuvah (vc̈UJT§ ), or repentance.
As we focus on t’shuvah, we disengage
from the life-affirming activities of our
daily routines, such as eating, and we
undergo
a
process
of
intense
self-reflection.
We ask ourselves how
we can do better in the eyes of God and
other human beings, and we search for
wisdom, willpower, and compassion.
must be “whole.” And, it is up to all of
us to alleviate suffering and brokenness
in the people around us.
It is important to realize that, in
Judaism, the word “sin” has different
connotations than it does in our wider
culture.
“Sin” in Judaism is generally
not something for which a person will
be punished in the afterlife, but is rather
an improper act for which one can ask
forgiveness-not
just
of
God,
but
(importantly) of other human beings as
well. In fact, one Hebrew word for sin,
heit (ty§ j
¥ ), literally means “to miss the
mark,” in other words to make a
mistake.
The Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) teaches us
that, in ancient times, when the Temple
still stood in Jerusalem, Yom Kippur was
the day on which the high priest would
pronounce God’s name and enter into
the Holy of Holies, the most sacred
space in the Temple. Rabbinic literature
tells us that this was the day on which
Moses descended from his second trip
up to Mount Sinai, carrying with him
the new Tablets of the Covenant, as well
as a pardon from God for the sin of the
Golden Calf.
Nowadays, special prayers
are
added
to
the
liturgy
which
emphasize group responsibility for sin
and repentance.
While Yom Kippur can seem very
somber,
as
though
it
lacks
the
joyousness
typical
of
other
Jewish
holidays, this Day of Atonement can
actually be very uplifting.
The process
of t’shuvah helps us to set right some
the wrongs that we have done, and in so
doing, helps us to be partners with God
in the creation of a better world.
The fact that we confess our sins as a
group is important because, in the
process of group confession, we remind
ourselves
that
in
order
for
our
communities to be whole, every person
1
Even young children are capable of understanding the concept of t’shuvah, of returning
to a “correct path” after making mistakes.
For example, saying “I’m sorry” when we
know we’ve hurt someone, and then promising to do everything we can to avoid
hurting that person again, is a form of t’shuvah. Children may not understand all of
the reasons why we fast, but they may be able to grasp the idea that, when we fast, we
become more appreciative of the things that we have.
Finally, one of the customs of Yom Kippur is the Yizkor (rIFz¦
§ h), or memorial service, in
which we remember loved ones who have died. When children have lost grandparents
and other loved ones, Yom Kippur can be a good time to share memories.
2
Vocabulary
Al Heit
ty§ j¥ kg©
G’mar
Hateemah
Tovah
“For the Sin.” Al Heit is one of the prayers in the Veedui (Confession). It
contains a litany of human sins and is recited by the entire congregation
collectively, even by those who are not guilty of any of the sins mentioned.
This expression, “be sealed (in the Book of Life) for good,” is the traditional
greeting used between Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur.
vc̈Iy vn̈h,£
¦ j rn© d§
Kittel
(Yiddish)
A white robe worn traditionally during the High Holy Days as a symbol of
purity. At many synagogues, clergy wear white robes on the High Holy
Days.
Kol Needre
“All vows.” The name of this best known of all Yom Kippur petitions is
chanted at the beginning of the Yom Kippur Evening service. It has a
haunting melody. A free translation reads: “Let all vows, oaths, and
promises that we make…to you, O God, between this Yom Kippur and the
next be excused should we, after honest effort, find ourselves unable to fill
them…” While the origins of the prayer are uncertain, during the Middle
Ages and subsequently thereafter, Jews were often forced to vow allegiance
to Christianity, while continuing to practice Judaism in secret. Through this
prayer they begged God to forgive them and release them from such vows
made under duress. Today, Kol Needre remains part of the liturgy because
of its historical associations, its inspirational melody, and its great beauty.
h¥rs¦§ b k’F
Tallit
,h¦Ky©
T’shuvah
vc̈UJT§
Tz’dakah
vës̈m§
Veedui
hUSu¦
A prayer shawl. Even though it is normally only worn for morning worship,
the tallit is worn for the Yom Kippur evening service. The reason for this
exception is that the tallit helps to create a special atmosphere for worship
and accentuates the idea of purity.
“Repentance” or “Returning.” One who sins, i.e., strays from the accepted
norms of behavior—must make t’shuvah—“return” to the right path.
“Righteousness,” but used in the same sense as charity. The giving of
tz’dakah is customary at this time of year.
“Confession.” Jews direct their confessions to God without the assistance of
an intermediary. In Judaism, confession is effective only when it goes
hand-in-hand with sincere repentance.
3
More Vocabulary
Yeezkor
rIFz¦§ h
Yonah
v¬b̈Ih
“God will remember,” or “may God remember.” Yizkor refers to the
memorial service which is held on Yom Kippur (and the last day of Passover,
Shavuot, and Sukkot). The service involves both a commemoration of death
and a quest for a higher level of spirituality. At Temple Beth Sholom, Yizkor
takes place on Yom Kippur afternoon, after the Afternoon Service and
before the N’ilah, or closing, service.
The biblical book of Jonah. This short but significant work is the Haftara
(reading from The Prophets or Nevi’im) for the Yom Kippur Afternoon
service. It contains a message of religious universalism. All people, Jews and
non-Jews alike, are entitled to God’s blessings and to God’s forgiveness for
their sins and wrongdoings. The story is also an eloquent statement against
religious parochialism and may be viewed as one of history’s first sermons.
Jonah, like most prophets, was accustomed to not being heard by his people,
for prophetic messages more often than not fell on deaf ears. When the
people of the city of Nineveh, Israel’s arch enemy, repent of their sins, Jonah
experiences a terrible dilemma: how can he return home having enabled his
enemies to repent? The enemy accepts his message while his own people
ignore him. Indeed, Jonah can be read on many levels. It is a whale of a
tale!
4
Activities
It is a tradition to begin building the sukkah as soon as Yom Kippur ends. Included here are
directions for a simple banner. This may help keep the kids busy at the break-the-fast.
Banners
Pre-washed fabric (a light colored cotton is best)
Rubber stamps (suggested designs: fruits and vegetables, sun, moon, stars, & Jewish theme stamps)
Stamp pads with kid safe ink in a variety of colors
1. Cut fabric into desired sizes (10" x 20" is a good size) - at least one per child.
2. Turn over a 1" hem on one edge of the banner (10" side) and either sew or use fabric glue to hold
in place (follow manufacturer’s directions).
3. Make sure to leave ends open.
4. Cover table with paper. Give each child a banner to stamp; make sure there are enough rubber
stamps to share. Let the kids have a great time!
5. Insert dowel into the folded over edge, attach yarn to the dowel ends and get ready to hang in the
sukkah!
Yom Kippur Letters
On the day before Yom Kippur, gather the family in the living room, hand out paper and pencils,
and have each of them write a letter to him/herself. Choose a topic that is appropriate for the
holiday, such as "What I would like to do to be a better, more sensitive person in the coming year."
Have each person write a letter, seal it in a self-addressed envelope, and put a stamp on it with a bit
of extra postage (rates are likely to go up next year). Make sure to mail the letters just prior to the
next Yom Kippur. You and your family members will enjoy receiving these annual letters, which can
be used as a measuring stick for the past year. Keep them in a scrapbook, which as your kids grow
up, can become a precious record. And, it will make a touching wedding gift for them years later.
5
Recipes
Break-the-Fast Chocolate Dipped Honey Cookies
Source: Los Angeles Times, September 1977
Ingredients:
3 eggs
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 cup honey
4 cups flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
8 oz. Pkg. semisweet chocolate, melted
Preparation:
1. Beat eggs until light, then blend in sugar.
2. Add honey and butter or margarine and blend well.
3. Add dry ingredients and mix well.
4. Drop by teaspoonfuls on greased baking sheets.
5. Bake at 350© for 15 minutes or until brown around the edges.
6. While the cookies are cooling, melt the semisweet chocolate.
7. Dip half of the cookie in the melted chocolate; place on waxed paper, and refrigerate.
If you don’t have time to bake, buy pre-made plain butter cookies or dried apricots and dip in the
melted chocolate.
6
Songs
Let’s Be Friends
I’m Sorry For What I Did Wrong
Let’s be friends, make amends
Now’s the time to say I’m sorry
Please say you’ll forgive me.
(sung to the tune of Aveenu Malkeinu)
I’m sorry for what I did wrong (2x)
I’ll try to do better (2x)
I’m sorry for what I did wrong
I’ll try, I’ll try to be the best that I can be
I’ll try, I’ll try to do what I can
And be the best I can be
The Ten Days of T’shuvah
Time to make up, time to pray
Shake my hand and I’ll shake yours
Let’s be friends for always.
Bibliography
All About Yom Kippur
by Judyth Groner & Madeline Wikler,
illustrated by Bonnie Gordon Lucas. Rockville,
Maryland: Kar-Ben Copies, Inc., 1997.
For Adults:
Children.
New York: Central Conference of American
Rabbis, 1991.
My First Prayers: I’m Sorry
Illustrated by Anne Riley. Board Book
published by Augsburg (Minneapolis), 1990.
by Judye Groner & Madeline Wikler,
illustrated by Katherine Janus Kahn. Board
Book published by Kar-Ben Copies, Inc.
(Rockville, Maryland), 1991.
7
Passover
convinced Pharaoh to let the people go,
and so the Israelites hastily prepared for
departure and began to make their way
out of Egypt, heading back
towards the land of Israel.
We
are
told
that
the
departure was in fact so
hasty that the people did
not even have time to bake
bread for the journey but
instead were forced to take
unleavened,
cracker-like
cakes, which we now call
matzah.
The story reaches
its climax when God parts the waters of
the Sea of Reeds, enabling the Israelites
to cross to freedom, even as their
Egyptian pursuers are drowned.
Passover, called "Pesach" in Hebrew, is
actually one of the most widely observed
of all of the Jewish holidays.
It
commemorates the ancient
Israelites'
exodus
from
Egypt, a story which is
found in the first half of
the
biblical
book
of
Exodus.
According to the
story,
the
Israelites
left
their home in the land of
Canaan (present-day Israel)
to
escape
from
famine.
They went to Egypt, where
Joseph, the great-grandson of Abraham,
was vizier to the Pharaoh, the Egyptian
king. At first, the people prospered, but
eventually both Joseph and the Pharaoh
died, and a new Pharaoh arose who,
according to the biblical text, "did not
know Joseph."
This new Pharaoh was
afraid that the Israelite minority living
among his people would, in the event of
a war, side with his enemies and
undermine
Egyptian
security.
To
eliminate this threat, he enslaved the
Israelites, and subjected them to great
hardship and suffering.
For most Jews, the central religious
practice of Passover is the Seder, a highly
ritualized meal, which takes place in the
home on the first and second night of the
8-day festival.
In fact, it is this home
observance
which
makes
Passover
so
popular. The Seder can be led by anyone
who is adequately prepared, and many
families have Seder traditions which go
back for generations.
Robert Goodman
says, "By participating in the Seder, one
symbolically and vicariously relives the
Exodus from Egypt.
Around the festive
table, past and present merge, and the
future is promising."
Passover is a
celebration of freedom, a time when Jews
remember what it is to be oppressed, a
time when we remind ourselves that we
will never be completely free until all
people are free.
In the midst of their misery, the Israelites
cried out to God.
God heard their cry,
and began the process of helping them to
escape.
God enlisted the service of
Moses,
an
Israelite
boy
raised
by
Pharaoh's daughter, instructing him to go
to Pharaoh with orders to let the
Israelites go. Pharaoh refused. God sent
ten plagues down upon Egypt, the last of
which is the slaying of all first-born
Egyptian
sons.
This
final
plague
1
What To Teach Your Children
second night with a group of families or
the congregation.
This gives families a
chance to plan a Seder for children with
age
appropriate
books
and
songs.
Remember if you are attending a family
seder, bring crayons, a Passover coloring
book, or other activities so that children
will think of Passover as a special time for
them.
The Seder presents families with an
opportunity to include children in a very
important way. Children can be asked to
sing songs they have learned at preschool
and Religious School during the seder.
Older children can be asked to present a
skit to tell the story of the Exodus. Many
families celebrate the first night of
Passover with extended family and the
Celebration Checklist
Seder Plate containing the following:
y bitter
herbs
y shank bone
y haroset
y lettuce
y parsely
y egg
Haggadahs, wine/juice in a cup, a container of
salt water, matzah, the Afikomen (piece of
matzah that is hidden), a place setting for
Elijah.
2
Vocabulary
Afikoman:
Arba
Kushiot:
,IhJª
¦ e gC̈r§ t©
Hameitz:
.n¥ j̈
Haggadah:
vs̈D̈v©
Matzah/Matzot:
,IMn\vM
© n©
Pesach/Pesah:
jx© P¤
Seder:
rs¤ x¥
Greek for "dessert." A portion of the middle of the three matzot
on the Seder plate, it is hidden by the person leading the Seder, and
redeemed after the meal from the person(s) who have searched for
and found it. It is traditionally the last thing eaten at the Seder.
"Four Questions."
Posed by the youngest person able to read or
recite the questions, this comes early in the Seder, and serves as the
introduction to the story of the Exodus.
"Sour" or "leavened."
Traditionally, no leavening agent may be
used or owned during Passover.
The Torah instructs that, during
Passover, we are to eat matzah and that we are not to eat anything
leavened. Hameitz is the term used to designate the five types of
grain we don't eat on passover:
wheat, barley, oats, spelt & rye.
Because the Torah says that hameitz is not to be owned, many Jews
symbolically sell their hameitz to a non-Jew before Passover and
then buy it back after the festival is concluded.
"Telling," or "narrative."
This relatively thin book contains the
rituals for the observance of the Seder, including the stories, songs,
and prayers. In some ways, it is a Passover prayer book and it is
used throughout the ritual meal.
Unleavened bread made from flour and water, quickly kneaded, and
then rapidly baked so that no fermentation takes place during the
baking. The Torah instructs that, during Passover, matzah is to be
eaten in place of regular bread, so that we will be reminded of the
Israelites' hasty departure from Egypt.
The actual meaning of this word is in doubt. It may mean to "pass
over" (as, according to the biblical text, the angel of God passed
over the houses of the Israelites during the tenth and final plague),
or to skip (like a young lamb), or it may mean a young lamb (that
was sacrificed at the ancient Temple in Jerusalem), and/or it may
have its origin in an ancient nomadic festival.
Meaning "order," it refers to the order
first nights of Passover. The Seder is a
symbolically reenact the story of the
service itself has 15 sections, each
significance.
3
of the Seder service on the
ritualized meal in which we
Exodus from Egypt.
The
with its own name and
Activities
MATZAH COVER
A matzah cover is traditionally made with three pockets, one pocket for each of the
ceremonial matzot. You will need 4 brand-new large handkerchiefs; pre-wash, dry and
press. One handkerchief will serve as the top of the matzah cover and will be decorated.
Decorations can be made in any of the following ways:
• Create a design in light pencil, then stitch in embroidery thread or use fabric
markers or crayons.
• Stencil a design using fabric paints and a pre-made stencil.
Once the design is complete, layer all 4 handkerchiefs together and, using a running
stitch, sew together on three sides - leaving one side open for placing the matzah
inside.
Recipes
ASHKENAZI CHAROSES
MOROCCAN CHAROSET
y · 3 apples
from Jewish Cooking in America by Joan Nathan,
published by Knopf
y · 1 cup chopped walnuts or almonds
y · 2 cups pitted dates
y · 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
y · 1/2 cup golden raisins
y · 1-3 Tbsp. sweet red wine or grape
juice
y · 1/2 cup dark raisins
y · 1/2 cup walnuts
y · Honey or sugar optional, to taste
y · sweet red wine or grape juice
Use a food processor to chop and blend
the ingredients.
Combine in a food processor, mixing
until finely chopped and mixture begins
sticking together. Add 1-2 Tbsp. wine
or juice to make a sticky mass.
Refrigerate until firm, about 3 hours or
overnight.
4
Recipes Continued
Songs
GEFILTE FI S H MOUSSE
MAH
1 jar (24 oz) gefilte fish, well drained
2 tablespoons regular low fat or non-fat
mayonnaise
2 teaspoons prepared white horseradish
3 green onions
handful of parsley
2 teaspoons fresh dill (optional)
NEESHTANAH
?,Ikh¥Kv© kF̈n¦ v¤Zv© v¨kh§«©Kv© vB̈T© J¦
§ B vn©
/vM̈nU
© .n¥ j̈ ih¦kfIt
§ Ub«ẗ ,Ikh¥Kv© kf̈C§ J¤
/vM̈n© IKªF v¤Zv© v¨kh§«©Kv©
Mah neesh-ta-nah ha-lai-lah ha-zeh
mee-kol ha-lei-lot, mee-kol ha-lei-lot?
She-b'khol ha-lei-lot a-nu okh-leen
ha-meitz u-ma-tzah, hameitz u-matzah.
Ha-lai-la ha-zeh, ha-lai-la ha-zeh ku-lo
ma-tzah (2x)
Place all ingredients in a food processor
with a metal blade. Process until finely
ground but do not puree.
Place in a serving bowl and refridgerate
overnight or at least 6 hours. May be
placed in a mold lined with plastic wrap
and unmolded or served directly from the
bowl as a dip or paté.
"Why is this night of Pesach different from all other nights
of the year?
On all other nights, we eat either leavened or unleavened
bread;
Why, on this night, do we eat only matzah, which is
unleavened bread?
BUILDING
CITIES
Bang, bang, bang, hold your hammer low
Bang, bang, bang, give a heavy blow.
Chorus:
For it's work, work, work, every day and every
night.
For it's work, work, work, when it's dark and
when it's light.
Dig, dig, dig, dig your shovel deep
Dig, dig, dig, there's no time to sleep.
(Chorus)
5
More Songs
DAYEINU - IT WOULD HAVE BEEN
ENOUGH
OH LISTEN
Oh listen! Oh listen! Oh listen King Pharaoh!
Oh listen! Oh listen! Please let my people go!
They want to go away.
They work too hard all day.
King Pharaoh, King Pharaoh, what do you say?
"No, no, no, I will not let them go!" (2x)
Ub¥HS©
o¦hr«© m§ N¦ n¦ Ub«ẗhmIv
¦ UKt¦
Ub¥HS© ,C̈X© vÎ,
© t¤ Ub«¨k i,b̈
© UKt¦
Ub¥HS© vr̈ITvÎ,
© t¤ Ub«¨k i,b̈
© UKt¦
Chorus:
Da-da-yei-nu, Da-da-yei-nu, Da-da-yei-nu
Da-yei-nu, Da-yeinu Da-yei-nu
ONE MORNING
One morning when Pharaoh awoke in his bed.
There were frogs on his bed and frogs on his
head.
Frogs on his nose and frogs on his toes.
Frogs here, frogs there, frogs are jumping
everywhere!
Ee-lu ho-tzee ho-tzee a-nu, ho-tzee a-nu
mee-Mitzrayim, ho-tzee a-nu
mee-Mitzrayim. Da-yei-nu.
Chorus
Ee-lu na-tan na-tan la-nu, na-tan la-nu et
ha-Shabbat, na-tan la-nu et ha-Shabbat.
Da-yei-nu.
Chorus
Ee-lu na-tan na-tan la-nu, na-tan la-nu et
ha-Torah, na-tan la-nu et ha-Torah.
Da-yei-nu.
Chorus
GO DOWN MOSES!
When Israel was in Egypt land,
Let my people go!
Oppressed so hard they could not stand,
Let my people go!
Chorus:
Go down Moses!
Way down in Egypt land, tell ol' Pharaoh,
Let my people go!
AVADIM HAYINU - "ONCE WE WERE
SLAVES, NOW WE ARE FREE PEOPLE!"
The Lord told Moses what to do,
Let my people go!
To lead the children of Israel through,
Let my people go!
A-va-deem ha-yee-nu, ha-yee-nu,
ha-yee-nu a-tah b'nei ho-reen, b'nei
ho-reen.
A-va-deem ha-yee-nu, a-tah, a-tah b'nei
ho-reen.
A-va-deem ha-yee-nu, a-tah, a-tah b'nei
hor-in, b'nei horin. (2x)
/ihrIj
¦ h¥bC§ vT̈g© 'Ubh¦hv̈ ohsc̈£
¦ g
"Once we were slaves, now we are free people."
6
More Songs
ELIYAHU
PESACH IS HERE
HA-NAVI
UvḦ¦kt¥ 'hC¦ J§ T¦ v© UvḦ¦kt¥ 'thcB̈
¦ v© UvḦ¦kt¥
og¦ Ubh¥kt¥ tIcḧ Ubhnḧ
¥ c§ vr̈v¥ n§ C¦ /hsg̈§
¦ kD¦ v©
:suS̈-i
¦ C¤ jh
© J¦ n̈
Winter is gone, spring is here,
birds are singing, Pesach is here.
Your hands go up.
They clap, clap, clap.
That take a piece of matzah and eat it all up.
Winter is gone, spring is here,
birds are singing, Pesach is here.
Eiliyahu ha-na-vi, Eiliyahu ha-tish-bi
Eiliyahu, Eiliyahu, Eiliyahu ha-gi-la-di.
Bim-hei-ra v'ya-mei-nu, ya-vo ei-lei-nu.
Im ma-shi-ach ben da-vid,
im ma-shi-ach ben da-vid.
HAD GADYA — "An Only Kid"
"May Elijah, the prophet from the town of Tishbi,
In the Gilead mountains, come to us again,
Quickley and in our lifetime, bringing the Messiah,
A descendent of David.
Or: "Elijah, the Prophet; Elijah the Tishbite; Elijah of Gilead."
Had gadya, Had gadya.
My father bought for two zuzim.
Had gadya, Had gadya.
7
Even More Songs
MAKE A MATZAH
WHO HAS THE MATZAH?
Leader:
Who has the matzah?
Child:
I have the matzah.
Leader:
Who has the maror?
Child:
I have the maror.
Leader:
Who has the karpas?
Child:
I have the karpas.
All:
Let us see, let us see.
Make a matzah, pat, pat, pat.
Do not make it fat, fat, fat.
Make a matzah, pat, pat, pat.
This is the way for Pesah.
Make harosis, chop, chop, chop.
Take some wine and add a drop.
Make harosis, chop, chop, chop.
Take your herbs and dip, dip, dip.
You may take a little nip.
Take your herbs and dip, dip, dip.
I'M A LITTLE MATZAH
I'm a little matzah, flat and thin.
Open your mouth and put me in.
Baked in the desert in the sun.
Pesah is coming, oh what fun!
8
Blessings
TH E FO U R QUESTIONS
(The youngest present chants the Four Questions.)
Mah neesh-ta-nah ha-lai-lah ha-zeh
v¤Zv© v¨kh§«©Kv© vB̈T© J¦
§ B vn©
mee-kol ha-lei-lot?
?,Ikh¥Kv© k’Fn¦
Why is this night different from all other nights?
She-b’khol ha-lei-lot a-nu okh-leen ha-meitz
.n¥ j̈ ih¦kfIt
§ Ub«ẗ ,Ikh¥Kv© k’fC§ J¤
u-ma-tzah. Ha-lai-lah ha-zeh ku-lo ma-tzah?
:vM̈n© IKªF v¤Zv© v¨kh§«©Kv© /vM̈nU
©
On all other nights we eat all kinds of bread and crackers. Why tonight only matzah?
She-b’khol ha-lei-lot a-nu okh-leen sh’or
rt’ J§ ih¦kfIt
y’ra-kot. Ha-lai-lah ha-zeh ma-ror?
:rIrn̈ v¤Zv© v¨kh§«©Kv© ,Ier̈§h
On all other nights we eat all kinds of herbs. On this night, why only bitter herbs?
She-b’khol ha-lei-lot ein a-nu mat-bi-leen
ih¦khC¦ y§ n© Ub«ẗ iht¥ ,Ikh¥Kv© k’fC§ J¤
a-fee-lu pa-am e-hat.
/,j̈t¤ og«©
© P Ukhp£
¦t
Ha-lai-lah ha-zeh sh'tei f'a-meem?
:ohng̈
¦ p§ hT¥ J§ v¤Zv© v¨kh§«©Kv©
On all other nights we do not dip herbs even once. Why tonight do we dip them twice?
She-b’khol ha-lei-lot a-nu okh-leen
ih¦kfIt
bein yosh-veen u-vein m'su-been.
/ihCª
¦ xn§ ih¥cU ihc¦ JIh
§ ih¥C
Ha-lai-lah ha-zeh ku-la-nu m'su-been?
:ihCª
¦ xn§ Ub«¨KªF v¤Zv© v¨kh§«©Kv©
On all other nights we eat our meals sitting up straight.
On this night, why do we sit around the table together in a reclining position?
9
Blessings
ANSWERINGT H E FO U R QUESTIONS
Why do we eat matzah on Pesach?
Matzah reminds us that when the Jews
left Egypt, they had no time to bake
bread for their journey. They put raw
dough on their backs and the sun
baked it into hard crackers called
matzah.
Why do we eat bitter herbs (maror) at the Seder?
Maror reminds us of the bitter and
cruel way Pharaoh treated the Jewish
people when they were slaves in Egypt.
Why do we dip foods twice at the Seder?
We dip bitter herbs into charoset to
remind us how hard the Jewish slaves
worked in Egypt. The chopped apples
and nuts look like clay which the Jews
used to make bricks for building
Pharaoh's cities and palaces.
We dip parsley into salt water. The
parsley reminds us that spring is here
and new life will grow. The salt water
reminds us of the tears of the Jewish
slaves.
Why do we lean on a pillow at the Seder?
We lean on a pillow to be comfortable
and to remind us that once we were
slaves, but now we are free.
10
Bibliography
SUGGESTED RE A D I N G FO R CHILDREN:
All About Passover
Written by Judyth Groner and Madeline Wikler, illustrated by Kinny Kreiswirth. Rockville,
A Taste for Noah
Written by Susan Remick Topek, illustrated by Sally Springer. Rockville, Maryland: Kar-Ben
Copies, Inc., 1993.
But This Night Is Different: A Seder Experience
Written by Audrey Friedman Marcus and Raymond A. Zwerin, illustrated by Judith Gwyn Brown.
New York: Union of American Hebrew Congregations, 1980.
My Very Own Haggadah: A Seder for Young Children
Published by Kar-Ben Copies, Inc.
I Have Four Questions
Written by Madeline Wikler and Judye Groner, illustrated by Chari Radin. Board Book published by
Kar-Ben Copies, Inc. (Rockville, Maryland), 1988.
Let's Have a Seder!
Written by Madeline Wikler, illustrated by Miriam Sagasti. Board Book published by Kar-Ben
Copies, Inc. (Rockville, Maryland), 1997.
My First Seder
Written by Madeline Wikler and Judyth Groner, illustrated by Katherine Janus Kahn. Board Book
Sammy Spider's First Passover
Written by Sylvia A. Rouss, illustrated by Katherine Janus Kahn. Rockville, MD: Kar-Ben Copies,
Inc., 1995.
Seder with the Animals
Written by Howard I. Bogot and Mary K. Bogot, illustrated by Norman Grandy. New York: Central
Conference of American Rabbis, 1995.
Where is the Afikomen?
Written by Judye Groner and Madeline Wikler, illustrated Roz Schanzer. Board Book published by
11
Bibliography
FO R ADULTS:
Cohen, Jeffrey. 1001 Questions and Answers on Passover. Northvale, NJ: Jason Aronson Inc., 1996.
Steingroot, Ira. Keeping Passover: Everything You Need To Know To Bring the Ancient Tradition to
Life and To Create Your Own Passover Celebration. HarperSanFrancisco, 1995.
Zion, Noam, and David Dishon. A Different Night: A Traditional Pesach Haggadah. Jerusalem:
Hartman Institute, 1996.
Also see The Jewish Parent Page on the web at www.uahc.org/educate/parent/
12
Rosh HaShanah
Rosh HaShanah (vb̈J̈v© Jt«r) is Hebrew for “head of the
year,” in other words, the beginning of the year on
the 1st of Tishrei.
The holiday is most commonly
referred to as “the Jewish New Year,” and some refer
to it as the “birthday of the world.”
According to
rabbinic legend, it is the day on which Sarah first
learned that she would have a child, the day on which
Isaac was born, and the day on which Hannah learned
that she would have a son.
Holiday

Checklist
Shofar (horn)
Honey & Apples
Challah (round)
Candles and Candlesticks
Keedush Cup
Rosh HaShanah is also the first of the “High Holy Days,” and it begins the most
spiritually intense part of the Jewish year—the Yamim Nora’im (ohtr̈Ib
¦
ohnḧ)
¦ , the Days
of Awe. This period lasts for ten days and ends with Yom Kippur (rUPF¦ oIh, see the
section on Yom Kippur). It is devoted to a careful examination of who we are in an
attempt to become cognizant of the ways we have failed—failed others, failed our own
selves, and failed God.
Rosh HaShanah can also be seen as a joyful beginning to a
difficult process—a process that culminates in the more somber holiday of Yom Kippur.
It may be useful to begin a discussion on Rosh HaShanah with a discussion of birthdays.
After all, Rosh HaShanah is the “birthday of the world.” What do the children do to
celebrate birthdays?
Do they like it when theirs comes around?
Also, the sweet
symbolism of apples and honey might be an interesting topic—do your children like
apples?
Do they like honey?
Is there any other time of year when they eat them
together as they do on Rosh HaShanah?
On the afternoon of Rosh HaShanah, families
from Temple Beth Sholom gather at a park with a
water source to observe the ceremony of Tashlich
(see vocabulary).
Attending this ceremony can
become a family outing and give parents an
opportunity to talk to children about making
positive changes in behavior.
1
Vocabulary
Apples & Honey
Jc© sU§ ohjUP
¦ ,©
Days of Awe
ohtr̈Ib
¦ ohnḧ
¦
L’Shanah
Tovah
Tapuheem u-D’vash. On the Eve of Rosh HaShanah and during the holiday,
a piece of apple dipped in honey is eaten. The act is meant to symbolize the
hope for sweetness in the coming year.
Yameem Nora’eem, or Ten Days of Repentance (Aseret Y’may T’shuvah),
refers to the ten days from Rosh HaShanah to Yom Kippur. According to
the Talmud, on Rosh HaShanah the wholly righteous are inscribed in the
Book of Life. For others, judgement is suspended until Yom Kippur, when
our good works and acts of repentance can still tilt the balance in our favor.
During this period, emphasis is placed on the sincerity of one’s repentance.
Teekateivu
(V’teehateimu)
(Un,¥ j̈,¦ u)§ Uc,F̈
“May you be inscribed (and sealed) for a good year.” This is the Rosh
HaShanah greeting which expresses the hope that all friends and loved ones
will be written and sealed in the Book of Life, and granted happiness and
fulfillment in the year ahead.
Mahzor
rIzj§ n©
Rosh
HaShanah
vb̈J̈v© Jt«r
Sheheheyanu
Ub«ḧj¡ v¤ J¤
Shofar
rp̈IJ
Tashleekh
Qh¦kJ§ ,©
The word Mahzor means “cycle” and refers to the prayer book used during
the High Holy Days.
Literally, “head of the year.” The term does not occur in the bible; however,
by the time the Mishnah was completed (c. 220 CE), it was in common
usage.
“In praise of the One who has kept us alive.” This prayer is recited at the
beginning of Rosh Hashanah and the festivals, at joyous life cycle events, for
new ventures, and gatherings of family and friends.
The shofar is made from the horn of a ram. It is sounded every morning
during the month of Elul preceding Rosh HaShanah, on Rosh HaShanah
itself, and again at the conclusion of Yom Kippur. Some say that its piercing
sound is a wake-up call that reminds people to engage in the process of
repentance.
Literally, “cast” or “throw.” On Rosh HaShanah, it is a tradition to throw
pocket lint or bread crumbs into a river, stream, or the ocean to cast sins
symbolically into the water.
2
Blessings
Ub«Üm¦ u§ 'uh,̈Im§ n¦ C§ Ub«J̈S§ e¦ rJ£
¤t
/cIy oIh (kJ¤ u§ ,C̈J)
¤ r¥b eh¦ks§ v§
©k
© kJ
O Eternal God, as we gather together with family and friends on this eve of Rosh HaShanah, we pray
that the New Year will be filled with accomplishment and satisfaction, with loving-kindness, justice
and peace.
Inspire us to work with You in bringing about a world where everyone may enjoy the blessings
of health and prosperity, of integrity and goodness.
May our New Year hopes be transformed into New Year realities by the work of our hands and our
faith in You, O God, our Creator and Deliverer, who sanctifies Israel and the New Year.
Ba-rukh a-tah ADONAI e-lo-hei-nu me-lekh ha-o-lam,
Ub«g̈hD¦ v¦ u§ Ub«n̈H§ e¦ u§ Ub«ḧj¡ v¤ J¤
la-z’man ha-zeh.
/v¤Zv© in© Z©§k
We praise You, ADONAI our God, Eternal Soul of the universe, who has given us life, sustained us,
and enabled us to celebrate this joyous season.
3
More Blessings
JUSe¦
KEEDUSH
(Amen).
'Ubh«v«k¡
me-lekh ha-o-lam,
'og̈Îk’Fn¦ Ub«C̈ rj«
© C̈ rJ£
¤t
'iIJ¨kÎk’Fn¦ Ub«n̈nIr
§ u§
v’keed-sha-nu b’meetz-vo-tav, va-tee-ten la-nu,
Ub«¨kÎiT¤ T©
¦ u 'uh,̈Im§ n¦ C§ Ub«J̈S§ e¦ u§
ADONAI e-lo-hei-nu, b’a-ha-vah et yom
oIhÎ,t¤ vc̈£vt© C§ Ubh«v«k¡
¥ t ḧ§h
(ha-Shabbat ha-zeh v’et yom)
(oIhÎ,t¤ u§ v¤Zv© ,C̈X© v)
©
ha-zee-ka-ron ha-zeh --- yom t’ru-ah,
'vg̈UrT§ oIh --- v¤Zv© iIrF̈Z¦v©
meek-ra ko-desh, zei-kher lee-tzee-at Mitzrayim.
/o¦hr̈m§ n¦ ,th
© mh¦
¦ k r¤fz¥ 'Js«¤ e tr̈e§ n¦
T̈J§ S«©e¦ Ub«,̈Itu§ T̈r«©
§ jc̈ Ub«c̈ÎhF¦
mee-kol ha-a-mim,
'ohN¦ g© v̈Îk’Fn¦
u-d’var-kha e-met v’ka-yam la-ad.
/sg¨
© k oḦe© u§ ,n¡
¤ t Wrc̈
§ sU§
Ba-rukh a-tah, ADONAI, me-lekh al kol ha-a-retz,
'.r«¤ẗv̈Îk’F kg© Q¤kn«¤ 'ḧ§h 'vT̈t© QUrC̈
m’ka-deish (ha-Shabbat v’) Yisrael v’yom ha-zee-ka-ron.
4
/iIrF̈Z¦v© oIhu§ ktr̈
¥ G¦
§ h (u§ ,C̈X© v)
© JS¥e© n§
More Blessings
unique destiny because You made us holy through Your Mitzvot. ADONAI our God, in love you
have given us (this Shabbat and) this day of memorial, a day of sounding the horn, as a reminder of
the Exodus from Egypt. You have chosen us and sanctified us from among all peoples. Your words
of truth stand for ever.
We praise You, ADONAI our God, Eternal Soul of the universe, who sanctifies (the Shabbat,) Israel
and this day of memorial.
Before A Meal (Or Before Eating Bread)
'Ubh«v«k¡
me-lekh ha-o-lam,
¤ k thmIN
¦ v©
earth.
Before Eating Apples and Honey
'Ubh«v«k¡
me-lekh ha-o-lam, bo-rei p’rei ha-eitz.
/.¥gv̈ hr¦P§ t¥rIC 'o¨kIgv̈ Q¤kn«¤
We praise You, Adonai our God, Eternal Soul of the universe, who creates the fruit of the tree.
Y’hee ra-tzon mee-l’fa-ne-kha,
'W¤bp̈§kn¦ iImr̈ h¦ v§h
ADONAI e-lo-hei-nu vei-lo-hei a-vo-tei-nu v’ee-mo-tei-nu,
she-t’ha-deish a-lei-nu sha-nah to-vah u-mee-tu-kah.
Ubh«,IN
¥ t¦ u§ Ub«,Ic£
¥ t hv«kt¥
¥ u Ubhv«k¡
¥ t ḧ§h
/vëU,nU
¦ vc̈Iy vb̈J̈ Ubh¥kg̈ JS¥j© T§ J¤
May it be Your will, Adonai our God, God of our fathers and mothers, that the New Year be good
and sweet for us.
5
Activities
Making Rosh HaShanah Cards
To make a 5” x 61/2” card, start with a paper that is 9-1/2” x 13”. Fold it in
half (illustration A) and then in half again, arriving at the finished 5” x
6-1/2” card in a double thickness.
If you are using handmade papers, like rice papers, notice that there are
textured edges formed by the papermaking process. Try to keep one of
the textured edges rough on the 13” side of the card. When folded, this
edge will produce a very attractive effect.
Now that you have the actual card size prepared, you can either
decorate the card as it is, or add a second texture of paper for a
more sophisticated design. We’ve lightly glued the bottom edge
of a strip of envelope stock to the front of the card and folded it
over the edge so that it continues inside, where the opposite
edge is also lightly glued. On the card positioned horizontally,
with the folded edge at the top, this makes another writing
surface on the inside of the card (illustration B).
To decorate, assemble your trimming papers and cut motifs,
such as the Star of David. You might make a three-dimensional
Star of David by cutting out equilateral triangles of different sizes
from tissue paper and stacking them up on the card. In addition,
the overlapping tissue papers create new colors. Use just a dot of
glue in the center of the triangles (or on the corners for heavier
paper).
Making
Envelopes
Measure an envelope pattern from newsprint or drawing paper
according to illustration C. Cut it out and fold on the dotted
lines to create your envelope. It should be slightly larger than
your card. If the size is right, trace the pattern onto your
envelope art paper. Cut it out and crease on the dotted lines,
using a ruler, if necessary, to make a smooth crease. Apply
glue lightly to the outer edges of the bottom flap
(illustration D) and fold up the bottom. When you are ready
to mail your card, use a thin line of white glue on the top flap
to seal, or use sealing wax.
6
Activities (continued)
Memory Jars
To celebrate these past and future sweet occasions, create a Sweet Memories and Wishes Jar. Have
the children decorate a glass jar - maybe even one previously used for honey - using non-toxic/kid
safe glass paints which are available in most craft stores (follow manufacturer’s instructions for use).
On slips of paper, record the sweet events that the family experienced in the previous year and/or
have family members compose sweet wishes for each other for the coming year.
Recipes
Honey Cake
3 cups sifted flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons lemon zest
Pinch of cloves
1 teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt
3 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 cup liquid honey
1 cup boiled black coffee
2 tablespoons oil
½ cup slivered almonds
Preheat the oven to 350© F. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, lemon zest, spices and salt
together. Set aside. Beat eggs until thick and light, about 5 minutes. Add sugar gradually and beat
well. Add the honey, then the coffee and the shortening; blend well.
Add the dry ingredients to the egg-honey mixture. Beat until well blended. Sprinkle nuts on the
bottom of a loaf pan that has been greased and lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350© F for
35-40 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes. Turn out on rack.
7
Songs
L’SHANAH
HAG SAMEAH
TOVAH
Un,¥ j̈,¦ u§ Uc,F̈
L’sha-nah to-vah ti-ka-tei-vu
L-sha-nah to-vah ti-ka-tei-vu
Ti-ka-tei-vu, v’tei-cha-tei-mu.
May you have a happy New Year
A good year, a peaceful year, a very sweet
year.
Or: May you be inscribed in the book of
life for a good new year!
L’SHANAH
“Happy Holiday! Happy Holiday!
Sing out loud: Happy Holiday!”
TOVAH
Un,¥ j̈,¦ u§ Uc,F̈
L’sha-nah to-vah tee-ka-tei-vu
A Happy New Year to you.
Tee-ha-tei-mu
The same to you.
TAPUCHIM
j© n¥ G̈ dj© UrhJ¦
HAPPY ROSH HASHANAH TO YOU
May the New Year bring you joy and laughter
Sound the shofar, live in peace ever after
Everybody pray for shalom
May the joy of peace fill your home
Happy Rosh HaShanah to you.
U-D’VASH
vb̈J̈v© Jt«rk§ Jc© sU§ ohjUP
¦ ,©
Ta-pu-heem u-d’vash, l’Rosh HaShanah (2x)
Sha-nah to-vah, sha-nah me-tu-ka (2x)
Ta-pu-chim u-d’vash, l’Rosh Ha-Sha-nah.
Apples and honey for the new year
Apples and honey, Rosh HaShanah’s here.
A very good year, a very sweet year
Apples and honey for the new year.
Or Apples dipped in honey …
8
Bibliography
For Adults:
All About Rosh Hashanah
Wikler, illustrated by Bonnie Gordon
Lucas. Rockville, Maryland: Kar-Ben
Copies, Inc., 1997.
Children.
New York: Central Conference of
American Rabbis, 1991.
Beginning Anew: A Woman’s Companion to
the High HolyDays
Edited by Gail Twersky Reimer &
Judith A. Kates.
A Rosh Hashanah Walk
by Carol Levin, illustrated by Katherine
Janus Kahn. Rockville, Maryland:
How the Rosh Hashanah Challah Became
Round
by Sylvia B. Epstein, illustrated by Hagit
Migron. New York: Gefen, 1993.
Sammy Spider’s First Rosh Hashanah
by Sylvia A. Rouss, illustrated by
Katherine Janus Kahn. Rockville, MD:
Wikler, illustrated by Katherine Janus
Kahn. Board Book published by
Kar-Ben Copies, Inc. (Rockville,
Maryland), 1991.
The World’s Birthday: A Rosh Hashanah Story
by Barbara Diamond Goldin, illustrated
by Jeanette Winter. San Diego:
Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1990.
9
Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur, also known as “the Day of
Atonement,” is the last of the yamim
nora’im (ohtr̈Ib
¦
ohnḧ
¦ ), the ten Days of
Awe) which begin with Rosh HaShanah.
In some ways, it is the most somber of
the
Jewish
holidays,
because
it
emphasizes human failings and our need
to do t’shuvah (vc̈UJT§ ), or repentance.
As we focus on t’shuvah, we disengage
from the life-affirming activities of our
daily routines, such as eating, and we
undergo
a
process
of
intense
self-reflection.
We ask ourselves how
we can do better in the eyes of God and
other human beings, and we search for
wisdom, willpower, and compassion.
must be “whole.” And, it is up to all of
us to alleviate suffering and brokenness
in the people around us.
It is important to realize that, in
Judaism, the word “sin” has different
connotations than it does in our wider
culture.
“Sin” in Judaism is generally
not something for which a person will
be punished in the afterlife, but is rather
an improper act for which one can ask
forgiveness-not
just
of
God,
but
(importantly) of other human beings as
well. In fact, one Hebrew word for sin,
heit (ty§ j
¥ ), literally means “to miss the
mark,” in other words to make a
mistake.
The Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) teaches us
that, in ancient times, when the Temple
still stood in Jerusalem, Yom Kippur was
the day on which the high priest would
pronounce God’s name and enter into
the Holy of Holies, the most sacred
space in the Temple. Rabbinic literature
tells us that this was the day on which
Moses descended from his second trip
up to Mount Sinai, carrying with him
the new Tablets of the Covenant, as well
as a pardon from God for the sin of the
Golden Calf.
Nowadays, special prayers
are
added
to
the
liturgy
which
emphasize group responsibility for sin
and repentance.
While Yom Kippur can seem very
somber,
as
though
it
lacks
the
joyousness
typical
of
other
Jewish
holidays, this Day of Atonement can
actually be very uplifting.
The process
of t’shuvah helps us to set right some
the wrongs that we have done, and in so
doing, helps us to be partners with God
in the creation of a better world.
The fact that we confess our sins as a
group is important because, in the
process of group confession, we remind
ourselves
that
in
order
for
our
communities to be whole, every person
1
Even young children are capable of understanding the concept of t’shuvah, of returning
to a “correct path” after making mistakes.
For example, saying “I’m sorry” when we
know we’ve hurt someone, and then promising to do everything we can to avoid
hurting that person again, is a form of t’shuvah. Children may not understand all of
the reasons why we fast, but they may be able to grasp the idea that, when we fast, we
become more appreciative of the things that we have.
Finally, one of the customs of Yom Kippur is the Yizkor (rIFz¦
§ h), or memorial service, in
which we remember loved ones who have died. When children have lost grandparents
and other loved ones, Yom Kippur can be a good time to share memories.
2
Vocabulary
Al Heit
ty§ j¥ kg©
G’mar
Hateemah
Tovah
“For the Sin.” Al Heit is one of the prayers in the Veedui (Confession). It
contains a litany of human sins and is recited by the entire congregation
collectively, even by those who are not guilty of any of the sins mentioned.
This expression, “be sealed (in the Book of Life) for good,” is the traditional
greeting used between Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur.
vc̈Iy vn̈h,£
¦ j rn© d§
Kittel
(Yiddish)
A white robe worn traditionally during the High Holy Days as a symbol of
purity. At many synagogues, clergy wear white robes on the High Holy
Days.
Kol Needre
“All vows.” The name of this best known of all Yom Kippur petitions is
chanted at the beginning of the Yom Kippur Evening service. It has a
haunting melody. A free translation reads: “Let all vows, oaths, and
promises that we make…to you, O God, between this Yom Kippur and the
next be excused should we, after honest effort, find ourselves unable to fill
them…” While the origins of the prayer are uncertain, during the Middle
Ages and subsequently thereafter, Jews were often forced to vow allegiance
to Christianity, while continuing to practice Judaism in secret. Through this
prayer they begged God to forgive them and release them from such vows
made under duress. Today, Kol Needre remains part of the liturgy because
of its historical associations, its inspirational melody, and its great beauty.
h¥rs¦§ b k’F
Tallit
,h¦Ky©
T’shuvah
vc̈UJT§
Tz’dakah
vës̈m§
Veedui
hUSu¦
A prayer shawl. Even though it is normally only worn for morning worship,
the tallit is worn for the Yom Kippur evening service. The reason for this
exception is that the tallit helps to create a special atmosphere for worship
and accentuates the idea of purity.
“Repentance” or “Returning.” One who sins, i.e., strays from the accepted
norms of behavior—must make t’shuvah—“return” to the right path.
“Righteousness,” but used in the same sense as charity. The giving of
tz’dakah is customary at this time of year.
“Confession.” Jews direct their confessions to God without the assistance of
an intermediary. In Judaism, confession is effective only when it goes
hand-in-hand with sincere repentance.
3
More Vocabulary
Yeezkor
rIFz¦§ h
Yonah
v¬b̈Ih
“God will remember,” or “may God remember.” Yizkor refers to the
memorial service which is held on Yom Kippur (and the last day of Passover,
Shavuot, and Sukkot). The service involves both a commemoration of death
and a quest for a higher level of spirituality. At Temple Beth Sholom, Yizkor
takes place on Yom Kippur afternoon, after the Afternoon Service and
before the N’ilah, or closing, service.
The biblical book of Jonah. This short but significant work is the Haftara
(reading from The Prophets or Nevi’im) for the Yom Kippur Afternoon
service. It contains a message of religious universalism. All people, Jews and
non-Jews alike, are entitled to God’s blessings and to God’s forgiveness for
their sins and wrongdoings. The story is also an eloquent statement against
religious parochialism and may be viewed as one of history’s first sermons.
Jonah, like most prophets, was accustomed to not being heard by his people,
for prophetic messages more often than not fell on deaf ears. When the
people of the city of Nineveh, Israel’s arch enemy, repent of their sins, Jonah
experiences a terrible dilemma: how can he return home having enabled his
enemies to repent? The enemy accepts his message while his own people
ignore him. Indeed, Jonah can be read on many levels. It is a whale of a
tale!
4
Activities
It is a tradition to begin building the sukkah as soon as Yom Kippur ends. Included here are
directions for a simple banner. This may help keep the kids busy at the break-the-fast.
Banners
Pre-washed fabric (a light colored cotton is best)
Rubber stamps (suggested designs: fruits and vegetables, sun, moon, stars, & Jewish theme stamps)
Stamp pads with kid safe ink in a variety of colors
1. Cut fabric into desired sizes (10" x 20" is a good size) - at least one per child.
2. Turn over a 1" hem on one edge of the banner (10" side) and either sew or use fabric glue to hold
in place (follow manufacturer’s directions).
3. Make sure to leave ends open.
4. Cover table with paper. Give each child a banner to stamp; make sure there are enough rubber
stamps to share. Let the kids have a great time!
5. Insert dowel into the folded over edge, attach yarn to the dowel ends and get ready to hang in the
sukkah!
Yom Kippur Letters
On the day before Yom Kippur, gather the family in the living room, hand out paper and pencils,
and have each of them write a letter to him/herself. Choose a topic that is appropriate for the
holiday, such as "What I would like to do to be a better, more sensitive person in the coming year."
Have each person write a letter, seal it in a self-addressed envelope, and put a stamp on it with a bit
of extra postage (rates are likely to go up next year). Make sure to mail the letters just prior to the
next Yom Kippur. You and your family members will enjoy receiving these annual letters, which can
be used as a measuring stick for the past year. Keep them in a scrapbook, which as your kids grow
up, can become a precious record. And, it will make a touching wedding gift for them years later.
5
Recipes
Break-the-Fast Chocolate Dipped Honey Cookies
Source: Los Angeles Times, September 1977
Ingredients:
3 eggs
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 cup honey
4 cups flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
8 oz. Pkg. semisweet chocolate, melted
Preparation:
1. Beat eggs until light, then blend in sugar.
2. Add honey and butter or margarine and blend well.
3. Add dry ingredients and mix well.
4. Drop by teaspoonfuls on greased baking sheets.
5. Bake at 350© for 15 minutes or until brown around the edges.
6. While the cookies are cooling, melt the semisweet chocolate.
7. Dip half of the cookie in the melted chocolate; place on waxed paper, and refrigerate.
If you don’t have time to bake, buy pre-made plain butter cookies or dried apricots and dip in the
melted chocolate.
6
Songs
Let’s Be Friends
I’m Sorry For What I Did Wrong
Now’s the time to say I’m sorry
Please say you’ll forgive me.
(sung to the tune of Aveenu Malkeinu)
I’ll try, I’ll try to be the best that I can be
I’ll try, I’ll try to do what I can
And be the best I can be
The Ten Days of T’shuvah
Time to make up, time to pray
Shake my hand and I’ll shake yours
Let’s be friends for always.
Bibliography
All About Yom Kippur
by Judyth Groner & Madeline Wikler,
illustrated by Bonnie Gordon Lucas. Rockville,
For Adults:
Children.
New York: Central Conference of American
Rabbis, 1991.
My First Prayers: I’m Sorry
Illustrated by Anne Riley. Board Book
published by Augsburg (Minneapolis), 1990.
by Judye Groner & Madeline Wikler,
illustrated by Katherine Janus Kahn. Board
Book published by Kar-Ben Copies, Inc.
(Rockville, Maryland), 1991.
7
Sukkot
Sukkot begins at the full moon, on the eve of the 15th of
Tishrei, just five days after Yom Kippur and lasts for seven
days. Even though it occurs so close to the Day of
Atonement, it is remarkably different from it both in mood
and in content. It is an autumn holiday celebrated for seven
days as both an agricultural festival and a historic reminder of
the years that the Israelites wandered in the wilderness. It is
called Chag HaAsif, the “festival of the harvest,” and Z’man
Simchateynu, “the season of our joy.” It marks the end of
summer and anticipates the beginning of the rainy season in
Israel. Between Passover and Sukkot, little if any rain falls,
therefore, between Sukkot and the following Passover,
farmers depend on the winter rains to get them through the
dry summer.
Holiday Checklist
w Sukkah
w Sukkah Decorations:
paper or plastic fruit
and/or vegetables
holiday cards
tree branches
other harvest themes
w Lulav
w Etrog
w Friends to dine with
One of the main rituals of Sukkot involves the building of a sukkah, a kind “booth” or temporary
shelter. The fact that these dwellings are temporary is meant to remind of us of how fortunate we are
to dwell in more permanent, stable structures. According to the medieval Jewish philosopher
Maimonides, the sukkah reminds Jews to live modestly even in days of prosperity, so that we keep
our values in perspective.
Temple Beth Sholom decorates the Sukkah Plaza for the congregation and tables are put up to allow
groups to dine together. Sukkot is also a home holiday, and many families build a sukkah in their
backyard (or on the balcony of their apartment). A sukkah should have one wall that is not
permanent, and a roof that allows families to see the stars.
Sukkot can become a time for families to create decorations for the sukkah and share meals with
friends.
1
In many ways, Sukkot is a festival of thanksgiving, not unlike the American holiday celebrated in
November. Because it is a harvest festival, it provides us with the opportunity to express our thanks
for the bounty of our lives.
1. What are your children thankful for? How do they express their thanks?
2. Do “thanks” always need to be expressed in words? In what other ways can we express our
appreciation for the good things that we have, as well as the people with whom we share our lives?
3. Also, a sukkah can be a bright, colorful place, decorated with just about anything, including fruits,
vegetables or Rosh Hashana cards. What fruits and vegetables do children enjoy?
Finally, one custom associated with Sukkot is ushpizin, the welcoming of guests into the sukkah. If
children could invite anyone in the world to come and join them in the sukkah, who would they
choose?
Vocabulary
Arba’ah Minim
m¦ipin¦ dr̈Äx§`©
Chag HaSukkot
The “Four Species” mentioned in the Torah, which grow in the land of Israel
and are used in the celebration of Sukkot. They are the etrog (bFxz§ ¤̀ , citron,
looks like a big, bumpy lemon), lulav (al̈El, palm), hadas (qc£
©d, myrtle),
and aravah (däẍ£
r, willow).
“Festival of the Booths.” One of the four names for Sukkot.
zFMEqd© bg©
Chol HaMo’ed
c¥rFnd© lFg
Etrog
bFxz§ ¤̀
Hakafah/Hakafot
dẗẅd©
“Intermediate Days of the Festival”—these are the third through the sixth
days of Sukkot.
A lemon-like fruit known in English as a citron that is held along with the
lulav and waved in the sukkah.
“Circle(s)” or “Circling.” It is a relatively modern custom to march around
(hakafah) the synagogue sanctuary with the Torah on Shabbat and holidays
so that congregants can kiss it and give honor to it. Hakafot are especially
associated with Sukkot and Simchat Torah. In traditional synagogues, for
each of the first six days of Sukkot, worshippers walk around—encircle—the
sanctuary holding the lulav and etrog while reciting the Hoshanah prayer.
2
MoreVocabulary
Kohelet
z¤ldŸ¤ w
Lulav
a¨lEl
S’chach
jk̈q§
Sukkah
dM̈Eq
Ushpizin
mi¦fiR¦ WE`
§
The biblical Book of Ecclesiastes, which is read on the last day of Sukkot.
Jewish tradition (though not modern biblical scholarship) ascribes
authorship to King Solomon in his later years, reflecting the passage of time
and the skepticism that can come with age. The book begins with the
exclamation: “Vanity (or ephemerality), vanity, all is vanity,” and contains
such famous lines as “To everything there is a season…” and “There is
nothing new under the sun.” The book teaches that possessions and
pleasures are of no lasting consequence—they are merely a “striving after
wind.” Sukkot, though a joyous festival, occurs in the autumn when
summer’s light begins to lessen and intimations of the winter of life are in
the air.
Palm—one of the Arba’ah Minim. Lulav is also the name we give to the
combined “package” of palm, myrtle, and willow branches which we shake
along with the etrog while standing in the sukkah.
Evergreen twigs and leaves that are used to cover the roof of the sukkah.
According to traditional Jewish law, the shade created by the roof covering
must exceed the areas exposed to sunlight, but one must be able to see stars
through the s’chach.
Booth. The term refers to a special, temporary structure erected for use
during the festival of Sukkot. Tradition holds that the Israelites lived in
sukkot (plural of sukkah) during their 40 years of wandering through the
wilderness. Such booths were also used as temporary shelters by farmers
during the fall harvest period in ancient Israel. Many Jews celebrate the
holiday of Sukkot by eating all of their meals in sukkot which they construct
outside their homes.
Each day during Sukkot, a short prayer may be recited whereby one of the
seven ushpizin (guests)—Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Aaron, and
David—is welcomed to join with the family in their sukkah. As they are
welcomed to join us, so, too, is God’s presence invited.
3
Activities
Children can make their own miniature sukkah by using popcicle sticks or Lincoln Logs, but they
love making this special treat:
Graham Cracker
Sukkah
Begin by placing one graham cracker square
on the table to create the floor. Squirt
frosting around three sides and add walls,
pushing them into the frosting. Squirt
frosting along the top and add pretzel sticks
for the roof. Use frosting to glue candies
around (and inside) your sukkah.
Paper plate with a fruit/harvest/flower motif
4 graham cracker squares
6 Pretzel sticks
Frosting (place a small amount in a zip lock bag
and cut the corner)
Assorted Candies
Building a FamilySukkah
No really, build your own sukkah! It's not as hard as you think. Remember, the Israelites had to do
it in the desert without a home improvement store by each palm tree.
The easiest way is to hang tarps from an already existing patio cover. If you do not have a patio
cover, you'll need poles for the frame and then sheets or tarps for the side and latice or netting for
the top. PVC pipes are great for the frame as they snap easily together, weather easily, and can be
stored for future years. Create a box with your PVC pipes.
Then, using sheets, netting, tarps, or any other material, cover three sides, leaving one open so
people will know they can come in to visit. The top should be covered with a material that allows
you to see the stars.
Finally, decorate your sukkah! Have the kids draw their favorite fruits, hang lights so you can eat in
the sukkah at night, or even draw directly on the sheets or tarps that cover the sides. The most
important thing is to have fun!
4
Recipes
Sukkot Harvest Soup
Some vegetable suggestions:
potatoes
carrots
green beans
celery
mushrooms
tomatoes
corn
onions
peas
squash
peppers
garlic
Prepare a vegetable or meat based broth; add all the vegies and your favorite herbs and spices. For
every 3 cups of broth, use 2 cups of chopped vegetables. Bring all ingredients to a boil, then simmer
until the vegetables are tender. Add seasonings to taste.
Songs
TO THE SUKKAH
To the Suk-kah, to the Suk-kah,
To the Suk-kah we will go.
Wave the Lu-lav, wave the Lu-lav,
Wave the Lu-lav to and fro.
SUKKAH LI
Suk-kah lee, Suk-kah lee Suk-kah lee cha-vee-vah
Kol ye-led bah sa-mei-ah, kol ye-led bah sa-mei-ah
Suk-kah lee, Suk-kah lee Suk-kah lee cha-vee-vah
“I have a Sukkah, and every child in it is happy.”
PATISH MASSMER
Pa-teesh, mass-mer, nee-kah ma-her
Sukkah leev-not, ba-neem ba-not
Tach, tach …
Ma-her, ma-her haz-man do-her
Ein p’nei ha-kot ma-har Suk-kot.
La la la la …
5
Blessings
The candles are lit, then the blessing is recited.
Ba-rukh a-tah, ADONAI e-lo-hei-nu me-lekh ha-o-lam,
,m¨lFrd̈ K¤ln
«¤ Epi«dŸ¥ l`
¡ ï§i ,dŸ`© KExÄ
Ep«Ëv¦ e§ ,eiz̈Fv§ n¦ A§ Ep«ẄC§ w¦ xW£̀
¤
.aFh mFi (lW¤ e§ zÄW)
© lW¤ x¥p wi¦lc§ d§
©l
KEEDUSH Û WECw¦
On Shabbat, begin here.
ENª
k§ie© ,iX¦ X¦ d© mFi
Yom ha-shee-shee, vay-khu-lu
ha-sha-ma-yeem v’ha-a-retz v’kol tz’va-am.
:m`¨ äv§ l’ke§ ux«¨
¤`d̈e§ m¦in
«© Ẍd©
Vay-khal Elohim ba-yom ha-sh’vee-ee
iri
¦ a¦ X§ d© mFIA© midŸl¡
¦ ` l©k§ie©
zŸAW¦
§ Ie© dÜr̈ xW£̀
¤ FYk`©
§ ln§
m’lakh-to a-sher a-sah va-yeesh-bot
:dÜr̈ xW£̀
¤ FYk`©
§ ln§ l’Mn¦ iri
¦ a¦ X§ d© mFIA©
ba-yom ha-sh’vee-ee mee-kol m’lakh-to a-sher a-sah.
iri
¦ a¦ X§ d© mFi z ¤̀ midŸl¡
¦ ` Kx«ä§
¤ ie©
Vay-va-rekh Elohim et yom ha-sh’vee-ee
l’Mn¦ za©Ẅ Fa iM¦ FzŸ` yC¥w§
© ie©
vay-ka-deish o-to kee vo sha-vat mee-kol
:zFU£r©l midŸl¡
¦ ` `xÄ̈ xy£̀
¤ FYk`©
§ ln§
m’lakh-to a-sher ba-ra Elohim la-a-sot.
The seventh day, the heavens and the earth were completed and all their array. So by the seventh day
God ceased the work of Creation and rested on the seventh day from all labor. And God blessed the
seventh day and made it holy, for on it God rested from the work of Creation.
6
More Blessings
Other nights, begin here.
,m¨lFrd̈ K¤ln
«¤ ,Epi«dŸ¥ l`
bo-rei p’ree ha-ga-fen. (Amen)
(on¥ `¨ ) .ot«¤ B̈d© ix¦R§ `xFA
¥
We praise You, A DONAI our God, Eternal Soul of the universe, who creates the fruit of the vine.
,m¨lFrd̈ K¤ln
«¤ ,Epi«dŸ¥ l`
,mr̈ l’Mn¦ Ep«Ä xgÄ
© xW£̀
¤
,oFW¨lÎl’Mn¦ Ep«n̈nFx
§ e§
v’keed-sha-nu b’meetz-vo-tav, va-tee-tein la-nu,
Ep¨l oY¤ Y«¦ e© ,eiz̈Fv§ n¦ A§ EpẄC§ w¦ e§
ADONAI e-lo-hei-nu, b’a-ha-vah (sha-ba-tot leem-nu-hah)
(dg̈Epn¦
§ l zFzÄW)
© dä£
d`© A§ Epi«dŸ¥ l`
¡ ï§i
mo-a-deem l’seem-hah, ha-geem uz-ma-neem l’sa-son
et yom (ha-Shabbat ha-zeh v’et yom)
(mFiÎz ¤̀ e§ d¤fd© zÄX© d)
© mFi z ¤̀
hag ha-Sukkot ha-zeh, z’man seem-ha-tei-nu,
,Ep«z¥ g̈n§ U¦ on© f§ ,d¤Gd© zFMQªd© bg©
meek-ra ko-deish, zei-kher lee-tzee-at Mitzrayim.
.m¦ix¨v§ n¦ zì
© vi¦
¦ l x¥kf¥ ,WcŸ¥w `x¨w§ n¦
ŸWC©w¦ Epz̈Fè§ Ÿx§gä
© EpäÎiM¦
mee-kol ha-a-mim, (v’sha-ba-tot) u-mo-a-dei kod-sh’kha
(b’a-ha-vah u-v’ra-tzon)
oFUÜ§l mi¦Pn© f§ E mi¦Bg© ,dg̈n§ U§
¦ l mic£
¦ rFn
LW
«¤ c§ w’ ic£
¥rFnE (zFzÄW© e)§ ,min¦ r© d̈Îl’Mn¦
b’seem-hah
dg̈n§ U¦ A§ (oFvxäE
§ dä£d`© A)
§
uv-sa-son heen-hal-ta-nu.
.Ep«Ÿ§lg§
© pd¦ oFUÜaE
§
Ba-rukh a-tah, ADONAI, m’ka-deish (ha-Shabbat v’)
(e§ zÄW© d)
© WC¥w© n§ ,ï§i ,dŸ`© KExÄ
Yisrael v’haz-ma-neem.
.mi¦PnG
© d© e§ l ¥̀ xÜ¦
§i
unique destiny because You made us holy through Your Mitzvot. O Eternal God, in love You have
given us (the Shabbat for rest and) seasons of joy, festivals and holy days of gladness. Thus have You
given us this (Shabbat and this) Festival of Sukkot, the season of our joy a holy day of assembly,
commemorating the season of our liberation. You have given this day to us (in love) as a reminder
of the Exocus from Egypt. You have chosen us and santified us from among all peoples and given
us, as our heritage, (the Shabbat and) Your holy festivals. You have given them to us (with love and favor,)
in joy and gladness. We praise You ADONAI, who santifies (the Shabbat,) Israel and the festivals.
7
More Blessings
Shake, Shake, Shake Your Lulav!
The lulav and etrog are blessed each day during Sukkot, with the exception of Shabbat. They are
blessed just before the Halleil service in the synagogue. They are also blessed each day in our
individual and/or community sukkot.:
The blessing is done while you are standing. Pick up the lulav with its attached willows and myrtle in
your right hand. Hold the lulav so that all three plants are visible to you. Pick up the etrog in your
left hand with its tip (pitom) pointing down. Hold the etrog next to the lulav and recite the
blessing.
,m¨lFrd̈ K¤ln
«¤ ,Epi«dŸ¥ l`
,eiz̈Fv§ n¦ A§ Ep«ẄC§ w¦ xW£̀
¤
v’tzee-va-nu al n’tee-lat lu-lav.
.a¨lEl z©liH¦ p§ l©r Ep«Ëv¦ e§
Mitzvah of waving the lulav.
On the first day of the festival, or when shaking the lulav and etrog
for the first time during Sukkot, add
,ml̈Frd̈ K¤ln
«¤ ,Epi«¥dŸl¡
` ï§i ,dŸ`© KExÄ
Ep«r̈iB¦ d¦ e§ Ep«n̈§Iw¦ e§ Epï¡gd¤ W¤
.d¤Gd© on© G©§l
la-z’man ha-zeh.
We praise You, ADONAI our God, Eternal Soul of the universe, who gives us life, sustains us and enables us to
reach this season.
After reciting the blessing, turn the etrog so the crown-tip faces upward. Then, the entire bouquet is
shaken three times in each direction: to the front, to the right, over the right shoulder (to the back),
to the left, then upward and then down.
8
More Blessings
This blessing is said before sitting in the sukkah:
,m¨lFrd̈ K¤ln
«¤ ,Epi«dŸ¥ l`
,eiz̈Fv§ n¦ A§ Ep«ẄC§ w¦ xW£̀
¤
v’tzee-va-nu lei-sheiv ba-su-kah.
.dM̈QªA© aWi¥
¥ l Ep«Ëv¦ e§
Mitzvot and commands us to sit in the sukkah.
,m¨lFrd̈ K¤ln
«¤ ,Epi«dŸ¥ l`
.ux¤`¨ d̈ oin¦ mg¤
¤ l ìvFO
¦ d©
land.
Bibliography
Suggested Reading for Children:
All About Sukkot
by Judyth Groner and Madeline Wikler, illustrated by Kinny Kreiswirth. Rockville, Maryland: Kar-Ben
Copies, Inc., 1998.
Hillel Builds A House
by Shoshanah Lepon, illustrated by Marilynn Barr. Rockville, Maryland: Kar-Ben Copies, Inc., 1993.
Let’s Build A Sukkah
by Madeline Wikler and Judyth Groner, illustrated by Katherine Janus Kahn. Board Book published by
Night Lights: A Sukkot Story
by Barbara Diamond Goldin, illustrated by Louise August. San Diego: Harcourt Brace & Company,
1995.
Tamar’s Sukkah
by Ellie Gellman, illustrated by Shauna Mooney Kawasaki. Board Book published by Kar-Ben Copies,
Inc. (Rockville, Maryland), 1999.
9