A Reader-Friendly Hebrew Lesson for Tu B'Shvat

Every Monday afternoon I hold an English story hour for 8/9 year olds at the Kfar Saba Children's Library. Since none of the kids are native English speakers I've decided to do bi-lingual readings of favorite books that are not too childish in content for this age level. This past Monday I read The Giving Tree, or as they say in Hebrew, עץ הנדיב, followed by a discussion and a DIY story project about a tree.

With a ninth grade volunteer by my side, the book was read page-by-page, first in Hebrew then in English, bringing the "audience" up to speed with the meaning of each page's words. The children loved it, smiling and joining in. When I saw their reaction, it hit me that this could be a great tie-in lesson for Tu B'Shvat. You read in the reverse order that I did, and then take advantage of this Hebrew quizlet that relates to the book. With this quizlet in hand, I'm sure you'll branch out with numerous creative ideas.

Am I barking up the right tree? I hope so. While you probably have The Giving Tree in your library, the Hebrew edition can be easily purchased through Amazon.

Tu B'shvat is less than a month away. Hope this helps you with your lesson plans.

The Custom of Singing Shabbat Songs Sets the Tone for a Warm, Family Atmosphere

Yes it's Sunday, the day after Shabbat. Still, I want you to start thinking about how you can help your students and their parents create the ultimate family experience on a weekly basis -- a sing-along around the Friday night table.

Singing Shabbat Zmirot -- songs -- in between the yummy food served on Friday night is a tradition dating back to the Talmud, where the custom is first mentioned (Megillah 12b). It has continued over centuries wherever Jews are located, which is why you can find lyrics sung in Hebrew, Aramaic, Ladino and Yiddish.

Before I give you a taste of some traditional Shabbat songs, I want to share this Shabbat sing-along song list compiled by the Denver JCC. I like it because it shows how this custom has evolved in America by including some English songs. I looked for them on YouTube. Here's I've Got A Shabbat Feeling. I also found an additional song -- Shababa sung by Karina. Looks like a lot of fun. Speaking of which, how about this song -- Shabbat Shaboom sung by the Mama Doni Band. Looks like Mama Doni and I are on the same wavelength. She also starts her Shabbat countdown with Sunday -- and as a lover of puns I can tell you that she also has created one of the best word twists around. She insists that Shabbat is a Challahday and you know what? She's right!

Have you enjoyed the music so far? Has it given you some good family programming and song sheet ideas? Let's transition to Hebrew with these two simple words for Shabbat sung by the FunkeyMonkeys. Now add the words מה יפה היום -- Mah Yafeh Hayom -- and you have this easy song.

Ready for some classics with a different twist? Try Dror Yikra sung by the Maccabeats or this Yemenite variation sung by Boaz Sharabi. But first and foremost, the overture to every Friday night meal -- Shalom Aleichem.

True, we have to face the music that another jam-packed, fast-paced week is about to begin. Still, there's a light at the end of the 6-day tunnel called Shabbat.  By striking the right note its glow will create a warm family atmosphere. Please pass that message on.

Shavua Tov



Music Notes Photo Credit