Good Morning to Your Friends

Havdalah

Shabbat Shalom

"..Shabbat is here, I'm go glad that Shabbat is here, candles burning bright, it's Friday night, I'm so glad that Shabbat is here!" We hear the children of Levana singing through the day.

Shabbat is always great in the classroom; each week a different child has a chance to lead their friends in prayers and light the candles. This week, Hayley was our Levana Shabbat helper. Thanks a bunch, Hayley!

Havdalah Outside

A Twist on Circle Time

 

Circle time happens in all of our classes, but I enjoyed seeing the twist added by the Tel Aviv teachers. By incorporating the passing of a torah into their daily circle time, the children have a chance to develop a comfort with this important Jewish object. Passing the torah is a Jewish ritual they can continue to do, even as adults, which adds a sense of real purpose to their daily class gatherings.

Welcoming Shabbat

The fact that the Rainbow class only meets on Tuesday and Thursdays doesn't deter them from celebrating a weekly favorite.  Yes, that's right, Shabbat happens every Thursday morning in the Rainbow classroom.  The children gather together at the tables and the helper, who has brought a challah to school to share, takes her position.  The Shabbat table has been laid with all of the necessary objects.  Last week it was Maddie's turn and she lit the pretend candles, raised her kiddush cup, and lovingly held the challah for the blessings. This weekly ritual truly makes Shabbat come alive for our youngest students.

Making Bedtime Jewish: Creating Memories

Bedtime is a perfect time to begin establishing family traditions and creating lasting memories for your child. Fashion a family album with your child's help, talk about your "family tree," look at photos, and tell family stories. Include grandparents or other relatives in this process of discovery.

Ritual is an important part of what holds us together as a family. We all have rituals that touch our lives. The purpose of Jewish ritual is to provide us with a sense of connection with the Jewish people and to infuse into our daily lives a feeling of familiarity and belonging. Books are tools that we use to pass on our beliefs, family stories, and values to our children in a colorful, pleasing, and inviting way. Above all, use what works best for you and your child.

Review the day and make it holy. Time is sacred. It gives us the opportunity to make the world a better place. Talk about what made your child's day special, how your child helped someone today, and how someone helped him/her. How did the day make you feel? What were you thankful for today? Sing a Jewish song to your child. Jewish melodies and lyrics are renowned for their beauty, warmth, and calming effect on children of all ages. Hum or sing along with tapes while you and your child listen and learn the songs. Look for suggestions in the listed resources.

From the Union for Reform Judaism

Making Bedtime Jewish: Creating Rituals

Transforming bedtime into Jewish time lets your child understand that being Jewish is a way of life, and a constant source of comfort.What works best for you and your child should be your guide to crafting your own Jewish bedtime ritual. You can begin by just reciting the Shema, or looking at colorful picture books, or humming a relaxing melody.

* Look together at a Jewish children’s book and play with a Jewish toy, such as a cloth mezuzah, a stuffed animal with Jewish symbols, or Hebrew cloth blocks.
* Talk about what you were thankful for today.
* Say the Shema, a word at a time, slowly. Try to recite while covering the eyes. Does it feel different?
* Sing a Jewish song.

From the Union for Reform Judaism

Making Bedtime Jewish: Saying the Shema

The Shema has been the Jewish declaration of faith for thousands of years. Jews everywhere say the Shema, but especially in the morning and at night, to remind ourselves that life is a gift from God. It is our personal and communal expression of belief in God and in the unity of the Jewish people, as well as our recognition that there is a relationship between God and the Jewish people.

The Shema is between you and God and between you and your child. It is an expression of belief and affection. Feel free to express love for your child as you express love for God. Show your affection visibly. After your child is in bed and your bedtime stories are done, say the Shema with your child, creating a peaceful entry into sleep. Establishing this daily bedtime ritual not only helps your child connect to Jewish tradition, but also provides comfort during the bedtime transition.

From the Union for Reform Judaism

Jewish Rituals in the Morning: Upon Waking

Morning rituals set the stage for the day. Modeh Ani is the traditional morning prayer and is one that can be said by children. Hold your child in a chair or sit on the bed with them, and share a special moment of closeness before the morning rush begins. Recite Modeh Ani together. For young children, sing or recite the blessing in English and in Hebrew. As they get older, encourage them to join you for the English and then later for the Hebrew.

Modeh ani l’fanecha, melech chai v’kayam,
shehechezarta bi nishmati b’chemlah; rabah emunatecha.

I give thanks to You, O God, eternal and living ruler,
who in mercy has returned my soul to me; great is your faithfulness.

From the Union for Reform Judaism

Jewish Rituals in the Morning: While Washing

Judaism considers the working of the human body an act of God. Jewish tradition contains a series of prayers with which we can thank God for our bodies. However, the following short prayer is more appropriate for young children. Since cleanliness of the body is considered essential for purity of the spirit, it is appropriate to recite this blessing before washing.

Baruch atah, Adonai, asher yatzar et ha-adam b’chochmah.

We praise You, Eternal God. Thank you for my body. It is a miracle!

From the Union for Reform Judaism

Candle Lighting

The Scientist children planned and practiced the candle lighting ceremony yesterday and again this morning. Some children were assigned to light a candle with a partner and others were assigned to light one by themselves. We talked about the nervous feelings about going up to the front of the sanctuary with Rabbi Jay and thought through some of our questions.

What if we forgot when it was our turn? No problem! Judi would hold the list of names and would remind each child when it was their turn.

What if we didn't want to go by ourselves? No problem! We'd ask Ellen to go with us.

What if we couldn't reach? No problem! Rabbi Jay will help us.

Candle Lighting

The Scientist children planned and practiced the candle lighting ceremony yesterday and again this morning. Some children were assigned to light a candle with a partner and others were assigned to light one by themselves. We talked about the nervous feelings about going up to the front of the sanctuary with Rabbi Jay and thought through some of our questions.

What if we forgot when it was our turn? No problem! Judi would hold the list of names and would remind each child when it was their turn.

What if we didn't want to go by ourselves? No problem! We'd ask Ellen to go with us.

What if we couldn't reach? No problem! Rabbi Jay will help us.

Havdalah

The Sunshines are learning that when we return to school on Monday, we gather together to celebrate Havdalah. We say good-bye to Shabbat, and hello to the possibilities of a new week. Using all of our senses, we bless the wine, smell the spices, see the flame of the candle and feel its heat, and hear the blessings. A member of each class helps with the celebration; today Hannah represented the Sunshine class. Gathering for Havdalah is one way in which we integrate Shabbat into the rest of our week

Shalom Chaverim

I arrived in the Unicorn classroom just as it was time to go home. Maria and Smadar had stepped out of the room, but the children all started to gather on the rug. "What are you doing?" I asked. "It's time for circle," they informed me. This was my first time attending the Unicorn goodbye circle, but luckily the children knew just what to do. They showed me how they sit in a semi circle holding hands. Then they began to sing. Thanks Unicorn kids for teaching me another of your classroom routines.

Shalom Chaverim

I arrived in the Unicorn classroom just as it was time to go home. Maria and Smadar had stepped out of the room, but the children all started to gather on the rug. "What are you doing?" I asked. "It's time for circle," they informed me. This was my first time attending the Unicorn goodbye circle, but luckily the children knew just what to do. They showed me how they sit in a semi circle holding hands. Then they began to sing. Thanks Unicorn kids for teaching me another of your classroom routines.

Contributing to the enjoyment of all

Avram's job at havdalah this week was to walk around with the spice box and give everyone the chance to have a sniff of the sweet smelling spices.  This ritual helps launch our week as a sweet one, and the power of the sensory experience is one even the youngest child can appreciate.  Avram took his job seriously, walking around the enormous circle of children and teachers to give everyone a chance.  Thanks for helping us all start the week of right, Avram!

The Twisted Candle

Towards the end of the havdalah ceremony, the candle is held high.  Each person puts a hand (or two) up towards the light of the fire, bending their fingers to try to catch the light in their finger nails.  Some people have the tradition of peering into the eyes of others to see the light reflected there.  Each week another child takes a turn with this role, holding the candle (with assistance) high for all to admire.  Teddy took his turn seriously, making sure to use his other hand to catch the light in his nails.

Extinguishing the Havdalah Candle

Noah had a popular role in this week's havdalah ceremony.  After we say the blessings over the grape juice, the sweet smelling spices, and the bright fire of the candle, we extinguish the fire in a little bit of the juice.  Each week the fire goes out with a satisfying sizzle.  When we hear the sizzle, we all know it is time to say "shavuah tov" and wish each other a good and sweet week.

Getting ready for Shabbat

"Get out your Shabbat candles," said Rabbi Todd and Jeffrey knew just what to do. Out came his thumbs. Focused on lighting them just right, he held them out carefully. What a simple way to make the candle lighting ritual something that even a young child can do independently. On to the next Shabbat blessing we went, the blessing over the grape juice, and Jeffrey not only poured his imaginary juice with care, but turned to me in the next seat to be sure my cup was full, too.