Collection
A set of source sheets examining aspects of the Jewish holidays.
Sheets
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Apples and Honey in the BibleAn examination of every instance of apples or honey in the Bible plus how the custom developed (and music!)
The History of Simchat TorahA history of the evolution of Simchat Torah, with context of each source, plus a look at Simchat Torah flags.
The Akeida: A 3-Act Story (and the Quran)Discussion questions at key points in the story
Honi HaMe'agel: A 3-Act StoryA readers’ theatre version with discussion questions to help people dive into the stories of Honi
Ruth: A 4-Act StoryA set of questions to examine Ruth’s story, plus a Readers’ Theatre version.
David Schwartz•183 Views•April 21, 2023•Ruth,Winnowing,Kindness,Discussion Questions,Book of Ruth,Threshing,Shikhechah,Stereotypes,Shavuot,Harvest,Welcoming,Harvests,Harvesting,The Book of Ruth,Passive,Rut,Leket,Abraham,Hope,Parenting,Megillat Rut,David,Peoplehood,Food,Blessings,Welcoming Guests,Naomi,Chalitsah,Widows,Converts,Peah,Conversion,Readers’ Theatre,Boaz
Hannah: A 5-Act StoryA readers’ theatre version with discussion questions about the story of Hannah for different character perspectives.
Kamtza and Bar-Kamtza: A 3-Act StoryA Readers’ Theatre version of Kamtza and Bar-Kamtza, with discussion questions
Jonah: A 4-Act StoryAn examination of Jonah from different points of view, plus 2 songs, a Readers’ Theatre and an original “Sedra Scenes” version, and an “interview” with Jonah.
Exploring Kol NidreiA look at Kol Nidrei, including why the Ashkenazic and Sephardic versions are different.
Grog and Groggers: The Origin of Purim CustomsThe origins of Hamantaschen, Groggers, Costumes, Shpiels, “Chag Purim”, Drinking, Seudah, Megillah, Matanot LeEvyonim, and Mishloach Manot
Personally Connecting to HallelA look at Hallel with reflection questions and musical versions
David Schwartz•354 Views•December 12, 2022•Liturgy,Yom HaAtzmaut,Sukkot,Shavuot,Pesach,Safam,Debbie Friedman,Hallel,Chanukah,Prayer,Passover
What is Rosh Chodesh?A text-based summary of the Rosh Chodesh basics.
David Schwartz•1299 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
Personally Connecting to Psalm 27Questions and musical examples to deepen a personal connection to Psalm 27 and “Achat Sha’alti”
Taking Shabbat Dinner to the Next LevelWays to go beyond just the basic 3 blessings to make Shabbat dinner more special
Jewish Halloween: Sources and StoriesA look at Jewish sources on Halloween topics, as well as Jewish “ghost stories”
David Schwartz•581 Views•October 16, 2022•Evil Spirits,Goats (שעירים),Goblins,Monsters,Werewolves,Black Cats,Pumpkins,Ibbur,Magic,Haunted Houses,Ghosts,Halloween,Golems,Dybbuks,Zombies,Magicians,En-Dor,Goat-Demons,Pranks,Exorcism,Hell,Curses,Saul,Demons,Dybbuk,Candy,Witches,Satan,Grim Reaper,Sacrifices
Making Friday Evening MeaningfulExplanation of Shabbat evening rituals, with both basic and deeper explanations.
David Schwartz•906 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
"Yerushalayim Shel Zahav": Examining the SongLooking at the sources of "Yerushalayim Shel Zahav", putting them in context, and then asking "So what?"
David Schwartz•2472 Views•April 26, 2021•Psalm 137,1967,Jerusalem of Gold,Lyres (כנור),Yehudah HaLevi,King David,Isaiah,Stones,Reunification of Jerusalem,Samuel,British Mandate,Yerushalayim Shel Zahav,Gold,Jerusalem Day,Zion,Babylon,Choni the Circle-Maker,Babylo,Six-Day War,David,Gideon,Or Chadash,Yom Yerushalayim,Seraphim,Harp,Yerushalayim,Tisha B'Av,Rabbi Akiva,Eicha,Jerusalem
Jewish Values During the American RevolutionDavid Schwartz•2153 Views•February 2, 2015•Image of God,Loyalty,The Law of the Land Is the Law,Courage,Ometz Lev,Leadership,Lo Ta’amod Al Dam Rei’echa,Independence Day,B'tzelem Elohim,American Revolution,Pray for the Welfare of the Government,Bamakom She’ein Ish,War,Jewish Values,Cheirut,Law,Dibbuk,4th of July,Dina deMalchuta Dina,Bystander,Jewish-American History,Mitpalel B’shloma Shel Malchut,Freedom,Equality,Im Ein Ani Li Mi Li,American Jewry,American Judaism,Justice,Tzedek
Editors
David Schwartz
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