Collection
A set of source sheets examining aspects of the Jewish holidays.
Sheets
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Jewish Halloween: Sources and StoriesA look at Jewish sources on Halloween topics, as well as Jewish “ghost stories”
David Schwartz•1213 Views•October 16, 2022•Pranks,Grim Reaper,Pumpkins,Dybbuk,Satan,Magic,Hell,Magicians,Demons,Zombies,Goats (שעירים),Ibbur,Curses,Haunted Houses,Goat-Demons,Saul,En-Dor,Sacrifices,Golems,Goblins,Witches,Vampires,Ghosts,Exorcism,Dybbuks,Candy,Werewolves,Monsters,Black Cats,Halloween,Evil Spirits
The Story of the Four CupsDavid Schwartz•2899 Views•March 9, 2021•Four Cups,Arba Kosos,Seder,Hagadah,Passover,Redemption,Arba Kosot
The Story of the Four ChildrenAn examination of the evolution of The Four Children, including musical, artistic, and video versions.
The Story of the Four QuestionsAn examination of how Ma Nishtana has evolved over time.
Should We Eat Machine-Made Matzah?An examination of the controversy over machine-made matzah, styled as a trial, with primary and secondary sources provided.
Sephardic Pesach CustomsSephardic Pesach Customs
Al HanisimA sheet about the Chanukah prayer “Al Hanisim”, along with 5 explanations for why we celebrate for 8 days and light lights. Musical samples are included.
Ruth: A 4-Act StoryA set of questions to examine Ruth’s story, plus a Readers’ Theatre version.
David Schwartz•393 Views•April 21, 2023•Hope,Ruth,Alicia Jo Rabins,Shikhechah,Discussion Questions,Blessings,Conversion,Kindness,Welcoming Guests,Harvest,Welcoming,Book of Ruth,Food,Bible Raps,Megillat Rut,Stereotypes,Girls in Trouble,Leket,Naomi,Readers’ Theatre,Winnowing,Harvesting,Converts,Shavuot,Boaz,Rut,Widows,Parenting,The Book of Ruth,Abraham,Threshing,Chalitsah,Peah,Passive,Harvests,Peoplehood,David
Esther: An 8-Act StoryLooking at the Purim story from Esther's perspective, along with some videos.
Grog and Groggers: The Origin of Purim CustomsThe origins of Hamantaschen, Groggers, Costumes, Shpiels, “Chag Purim”, Drinking, Seudah, Megillah, Matanot LeEvyonim, and Mishloach Manot
V'haya Im Shamo-a: A Prayer for Tu B'shvat?Examining Tu B'Shevat, the 2nd paragraph of the Shema, and the confluence thereof
The Origin of Chanukah CustomsAn explanation of the customs of Dreidels, gelt, presents, the story, latkes, sufganiyot, candles, and “Maoz Tzur”.
Queen Vashti: A 3-Act StoryAn examination of Vashti’s story with discussion questions
A Children’s Tu B’Shevat SederA Tu B’Shevat Seder appropriate for kids.
Chanukah: The PrequelA history of the events leading up to Chanukah
What is Rosh Chodesh?A text-based summary of the Rosh Chodesh basics.
David Schwartz•1703 Views•January 12, 2022•BimBam,Reading Torah,Lord of the Rings,Birkat Hamazon,Hallel,Rabban Gamliel,Samaritans,Kiddush Hachodesh,Kippalive,David and Jonathan,Fire,Ya'aleh V'yavoh,Moon,Leap Year,David,Music,Birkat Hachodesh,Women,Months,David and Saul,Musaf,Golden Calf,Amidah,Menstruation,Trumpet,Rosh Chodesh,Reading of the Torah,Calendar,Leyning,Sacrifices
Making Friday Evening MeaningfulExplanation of Shabbat evening rituals, with both basic and deeper explanations.
David Schwartz•1248 Views•February 7, 2022•Angels,Exodus,Shalom Aleichem,Shabbat,Sam Glaser,Ephraim,Eishet Chayil,Candles,Blessings,Fiddler on the Roof,Washing,Salting of the Sacrifices,Menashe,Birkat Kohanim,Blessing,Parental Blessing,Amen,Hands,Priestly Blessing,Kiddush,Friday Evening,Wine,Hamotzi,Motzi,Washing of the Hands,Cantor Neil Schwartz,Mikdash Me’At,Jacob's Blessing,Creation,Blessing Children,Grape Juice,Rituals,Salt,Challah,Grapes
Apples and Honey in the BibleAn examination of every instance of apples or honey in the Bible plus how the custom developed (and music!)
David Schwartz•419 Views•August 22, 2023•Adam and Eve,Apples and Honey,Honey,Apples,Eliana Light,Rosh Hashanah
Hashiveinu: From Tisha B’Av to Torah ServiceA basic overview of Tisha B'Av, with a focus on the Hashiveinu line at the end of Eicha. It also includes musical examples of Hashiveinu and Etz Chayim.
Editors
David Schwartz
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