We’ve seen how much children enjoy taking part in Simchat Torah, with all the flags and goodie bags. Yemenite Jews extend the joy of children even further by celebrating the arrival of new babies on the first Simhat Torah after their birth. The father or grandfather makes a donation to the synagogue by purchasing a hakafa (circular Torah procession) in the baby’s honor. He then becomes the leader of the specific hakafa. Instead of carrying a Torah scroll he carries the baby in his arms, leading the procession around the block or neighborhood.
This custom might be a good way to help your students adapt to the arrival of a new sibling. Among your many classroom activities surrounding Simhat Torah you might want to include a hakafa for all pupils who have become new big brothers and sisters. Let them bring in a picture of their new sibling along with the name and birthday and help them celebrate their new position in the family.
Chag Sameach…Tami
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