Collection
A set of source sheets examining aspects of the Jewish holidays.
Sheets
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Grog and Groggers: The Origin of Purim CustomsThe origins of Hamantaschen, Groggers, Costumes, Shpiels, “Chag Purim”, Drinking, Seudah, Megillah, Matanot LeEvyonim, and Mishloach Manot
The Origin of Chanukah CustomsAn explanation of the customs of Dreidels, gelt, presents, the story, latkes, sufganiyot, candles, and “Maoz Tzur”.
Is Thanksgiving a Jewish Holiday?An examination of the ways that Thanksgiving could be considered a Jewish holiday.
David Schwartz•3426 Views•November 18, 2020•George Washington,Jewish History,Sukkot,Beans,Judah,Rabbi Moshe Feinstein,Ravioli,Rabbi Soloveitchik,Kashrut,Turkey,America,Modeh Ani,Green Beans,Gratitude,Pumpkin,Thanks,Birkat Hamazon,Bentsching Gomel,Pumpkins,Simanim,Pogroms,Casserole,Rosh Hashanah Seder,Kosher,American Judaism,Birkat Gomel,Thanksgiving,Pilgrims,Sepharidim,Leah,Dreams
What is the holiday of Sigd?Explanation of Sigd, plus history of Jews in Ethiopia plus other places in Africa
David Schwartz•4422 Views•October 28, 2021•Falasha,Lemba,Debbie Friedman,Beta Israel,Africa,Sigd,Ethiopia,Abayudaya,Havdalah
Chanukah: The PrequelA history of the events leading up to Chanukah
Chanukah: The Complicated VersionAn examination of the twists and turns of the Maccabee story from Mattathias through Simon.
What is Selichot?Background information about Selichot, along with videos of how to chant the basic prayers
David Schwartz•730 Views•August 28, 2025•Selichot,High Holidays,Liturgy,Prayers,Cantor Neil Schwartz
Jewish Halloween: Sources and StoriesA look at Jewish sources on Halloween topics, as well as Jewish “ghost stories”
David Schwartz•6092 Views•October 16, 2022•Candy,Satan,Monsters,Goat-Demons,Evil Spirits,Goblins,Hell,Zombies,Ibbur,Goats (שעירים),Golems,Black Cats,Dybbuk,Grim Reaper,Curses,Magic,Ghosts,Sacrifices,Halloween,En-Dor,Haunted Houses,Witches,Dybbuks,Pumpkins,Pranks,Exorcism,Demons,Vampires,Magicians,Saul,Werewolves
Do You Agree With Kohelet?Selections from Kohelet to decide if you agree with, plus musical selections
David Schwartz•209 Views•September 18, 2025•Kohelet,The Byrds,Old Age,Pete Seeger,Ecclesiastes,Aging
Exploring Kol NidreiA look at Kol Nidrei, including why the Ashkenazic and Sephardic versions are different.
What's a Lulav and Etrog?The basics and not-so-basics of lulav and etrog.
The History of Simchat TorahA history of the evolution of Simchat Torah, with context of each source, plus a look at Simchat Torah flags.
What is Sh’mini Atzeret?The basics and not-so-basics of Shemini Atzeret
David Schwartz•1669 Views•October 12, 2024•Sukkot,Rain,Water,Cantor Neil Schwartz,Sh'mini Atzeret,Geshem,Yizkor,Shmini Atzeret,Shemini Atzeret
Personally Connecting to HallelA look at Hallel with reflection questions and musical versions
David Schwartz•3013 Views•December 12, 2022•Sukkot,Prayer,Yom HaAtzmaut,Liturgy,Pesach,Debbie Friedman,Safam,Shavuot,Passover,Hallel,Chanukah
Why is Sukkot Called “Time of Our Joy”?This sheet looks at reasons why Sukkot is called “Z’man Simchateinu”, “Time of Our Joy”.
David Schwartz•9049 Views•September 17, 2020•Water Libations,Joy,Z’man Simchateinu,Water,Happiness,Sukkot
How to Change Your Fate: Views on “Ut’shuva, ut’fillah, utzedakah”Different people’s views on the “Uteshuvah, utefillah, utzedakah” line from Unetaneh Tokef, plus a few sources for the line.
How to Get Meaning from the ShofarA set of 18 different things that the shofar can make us think about
David Schwartz•818 Views•May 17, 2024•Sisera's Mother,Jewish Jokes,Gideon,Jericho,Midianites,Repentance (Teshuvah),Sisera,Ingathering of the Exiles,Akeida,Binding of Isaac,Joshua,Liberty,Death of Sarah,Conversos,Coronation,Shabbat Shuva,Amidah,Humility,Abraham and Hagar,Revelation,Jubilee,Psalm 27,Jewish Humor,The Birthday of the World,Rosh Hashanah,The Akeidah,Marranos,Shofar,Mt. Sinai,Anointing,Instruments,Yom Kippur,Music,Revelation of God's Glory,Beginning,High Holidays,Samael
Personally Connecting to Avinu MalkeinuBackground, questions, and music for Avinu Malkeinu
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David Schwartz
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