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

Travel Hanukkiah/Menorah Custom: From 18th Century Germany to Today's Apps

If you think today's apps for lighting Hanukkah candles while on the go is a modern invention, you're in for a big surprise. Yes, the Jewish Museum's Light My Fire app for the iPhone is very clever, as is Menorah for Android. But considering that we are a wandering people, Jews must have developed a travel Hanukkiah/Menorah custom way before hi-tech set in.

Sure enough, they did. Have a look at this 18th century German folding menorah. It's perfect for the merchant making many sales miles. 

What prompted me to investigate this custom is a beautiful travel Hanukkiah made by the late Josef Fleischmann, father of my friend Rochelle Treister. 

Josef Fleischmann hailed from Czechoslovakia, where at the age of 14 he apprenticed as a silversmith. Josef eventually married and began to build a family. The winds of war brought him to Canada in 1939 along with his wife and two sons. Apparently economic considerations forced him to pursue other professional avenues; still, he did not abandon his love for creating beautiful and unusual silver Judaica. So, when Rochelle turned to him to create a travel Hanukkiah after airport security took apart her bag because she had an old, battered long tin Hanukkiah inside, he was more than happy to activate his creative juices and golden hands.  This is what he came up with.

On the outside it looks like an elegant pressed powder case from days of yore.  Open it up, and voila!

A tidy travel version. No student, sales person or average traveler  could ask for more.

So...hmmmm....is there a way that you can make your next craft project a travel Hanukkiah?



Hanukkah Candles Photo Credit

Hanukkah Around the World at Temple Isaiah in Lafayette, California

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Charna Schakow via email. Charna is a teacher at Temple Isaiah in Lafayette, California. She is a teacher with a mission and that mission is to introduce her students to the different traditions of Jewish communities around the world.

That certainly is up my alley! I was delighted to find out that Charna is using my book Hanukkah Around the World as one of her references, as well as this blog. What particularly thrilled me is the poster project that Charna developed around different Hanukkah traditions.

For Charna's students, getting these posters together is a Hanukkah version of playing Beat the Clock. With the time ticking during a 45-minute lesson, the students are engaged and love every second. Kol Ha'Kavod!

How does Charna do it? Read all about it in her latest blog post. In the meantime, thanks to Charna I'm able to share some of the fabulous posters her students made and give you an idea for a different approach to a Hanukkah lesson -- if not this year, then next!  And don't forget, Passover is just 5 months away. My book Passover Around the World will help you adapt Charna's project idea to your Passover curriculum.

For now, presenting some of the posters made by Charna's students. Enjoy every one.

If you have a holiday project idea that you would like to share, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Start Your Own Dreidel Collection

Here's a custom that will get your head spinning -- giving yourself a new dreidel every year.

That's what I do. I love collecting unusual dreidels, so much so that I had a carpenter make this wood case for my collection. I've opened the door so you can have a peek, but let me show you a few of my favorites.

I adore this colorful dreidel. It looks like it could be the prototype for a home/class arts and crafts project.

In our house, Shabbat Hanukkah has a special spin, thanks to this dual purpose dreidel that also serves as a spice box. 

Speaking of combinations -- this is the best! An all-in-one Hanukkiah/dreidel/Hamsa, the latter for extra luck in playing dreidel. 

Salt and pepper shakers for the festive Thanksgiving/Hanukkah meal? A little bud vase for the table as well? Have a look at the trio on the second shelf.

But the dreidel with the best and longest spin?

You got it. Nothing beats the old fashion wood models on top. Which leads me back to an arts and crafts project suggestion: this year's wood dreidel model with a painted turkey motif. 

It's bound to be a collector's item! 

Another oldie but goodie? Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel. Have fun listening while you make this year's model.

Shabbat: Why It's So Important

It's Friday and we're all getting ready for Shabbat. In an unusual departure from my posts on holiday customs, I am providing you with a link to a wonderful and insightful article written by Shoshana Michael Zucker, a self-educated Jewish scholar living in Kfar Saba. This article clarifies why Shabbat is a much needed day of rest, and why it is the glue that keeps the Jewish people together.

Shabbat Shalom to all.
Tami


Photo credit

From Cochin to Vancouver -- Candle Lighting Customs that Bridge Shabbat & Hanukkah

Wherever we look on the Jewish calendar we always seem to be lighting a candle or two. Shabbat candles, Havdallah candle, festival candles (e.g. Sukkot, Passover, Shavuot) and Hanukkah candles. Since Shabbat is our weekly mainstay for recharging our batteries (these days, that too is a source of light) and Hanukkah is just several weeks away, it's nice to know that some candle lighting customs bridge the two.

Less than a hundred years ago the Jews of Cochin maintained the custom of welcoming the Shabbat by lighting stone lamps called kallu vilakku located at the entrance of their homes. It wasn't the woman who lit the candle but the synagogue Gabbai. Using a torch lit from the Ner Tamid -- the Eternal Light hanging in front of the ark inside the synagogue -- he would go from house to house, lighting each lamp. What did a kallu vilakku look like? This is my hunch based on a Google search.

While this clearly is an adaptation of an Indian custom, it's the Jewish Cochin way of saying Hey, it's Shabbat!

I haven't found a Cochin Hannukiah that resembles the above, but let's examine the Hanukkiah lighting custom in the Israeli community of Meah Shearim, and as I've just discovered with this photo, the Jewish community in Vancouver.

The Hanukkiah is also found outside, positioned near the home's entrance. This custom is found in the Talmud (Shabbat 21b) where it is stated that Hanukkah lights should be placed outside the doorway of the house. In other words, a way of announcing Hey, it's Hanukkah!

My question to you: Where are you going to light candles on Shabbat Hanukkah and how are you going to connect the two?

My craft suggestion: In addition to the Hanukkiah usually made in class or at home, how about making two clay oil lamps for Shabbat candles?

Any other suggestions? Send me an email and I'll post it.


Shabbat Candles photo credit
Hanukkah candles photo credit
Kallu Vilakku photo credit
Vancouver Hanukkiah photo credit

Book Time for Experiential Learning

Even though I live (at least) 6,000 miles away, I do travel to the States every year, keep up with many of you through email, and read about Jewish educational trends. While the PEW survey is the latest talk of the town, a careful examination of the results shows that there's a direct tie-in to another discussion -- the need for experiential learning in Jewish education.

I've heard from many of you about the latter and the need for it. All I can say is: you are so right! To make a positive Jewish impact on your children/students' lives you need engaging activities.  So, please excuse me if I take a week off from posting customs or interesting news from Israel for kids, and use this opportunity to plug my books. Much more than just a library title, they are alternative textbooks for the classroom, not to mention fun books to have at home.

I'll start with the Bible.

Tasty Bible Stories offers a delicious way of bringing the Bible to life. Read each story in the book (every one is written in a breezy, hip tone) and combine it with a cooking class by whipping up the matching recipes following each tale. It's definitely a way to get your students to sink their teeth into Bible stories.



Green Bible Stories for Children brings the Bible to a different level, making it relevant to 21st century ecological concerns. From bio-diversity to noise pollution, this eye-opening book shows that even long ago the Bible provided the original blueprint for environmental protection. This book consists of eight engaging stories told in a kid-friendly fashion, each of which is followed by 2-3 relevant, easy-to-do experiments or projects.

Next on the list -- Jewish Holiday Customs

My love for holiday customs did not start with this blog.  It all began with this book.

By reading Passover Around the World together with your students/children you will be able to create an unforgettable model seder in school or family seder at home. Take a trip across the globe by reading stories dealing with playful customs created by Jewish communities from as far as Iran to as close as your own backyard in North America. Can a child in the 21st century experience what it was like for the Children of Israel? In virtual terms, yes, if you follow the traditions in this book. And don't forget the delicious recipes accompanying each custom!

Hanukkah Around the World puts a different spin on this holiday that is so often referred to as the "December Dilemma" (fortunately, not this year). Why connect Hanukkah with Ho, Ho, Ho gifts when it has a story all of its own rooted to Israeli soil? Even better -- a variety of interesting, fun-loving customs created by Jews as far away as Australia and Italy. I especially love the Italian custom because it literally ties in with Tisha B'Av -- an important memorial day that never makes it to the Jewish school curriculum because it occurs during the summer. Finally, you will have a chance to make a meaningful connection but you'll have to get the book to find out how and why. Is there a food angle as well? Yum, yum, yes, with a recipe for every story.


Family Stories -- The Glue that Binds the Jewish People

Last week a friend of mine brought up an article recently published by the New York Times. Dealing with family stories, it reinforced the importance of giving children a sense that they are part of a larger family. Family tales ground children by giving them a feeling of stability and continuity -- exactly the ingredients we Jews need for the continuity of our people. For the past six years I have been going around the United States, giving presentations on my Jewish Heirloom Stories.

Each of these books -- Lotty's Lace Tablecloth and Mayer Aaron Levi and His Lemon Tree -- deals with a specific Jewish value revolving around an unconventional heirloom and the story behind it.  My presentation on these books is one of my most popular "talks" because I give kids an assignment -- bring in a family heirloom and tell the story behind it. It's not just the kids who love doing this "homework." It's the parents as well. They are eager to tell family tales.  These books provide them with the perfect venue by offering pages at the back of each book to write down a personal story. How do I know these books are valuable additions to every child's personal library? Lotty's Lace Tablecloth was recently made a PJ Library selection.

Find out about my other books by taking a virtual book tour. Interested in a presentation on Shabbat Customs Around the World? Perhaps a virtual author visit? I offer these as well. All you have to do is contact me to get more information.

Thanks for giving me this opportunity to explain how I can be part of your experiential learning program.
Bye for now. I'll be back next week with a new holiday custom.
Kol Tuv.
Tami

Rally Round this Simchat Torah Flag Custom from Poland

An apple for Simchat Torah? Never heard of that one, but I just found out that it's the choice fruit of Polish Jews, who stick it on top of every Simchat Torah flag handed out to children.

Why an apple? No, it has nothing to do with the fact that we're getting ready to read the story of Adam and Eve (BTW: they didn't eat an apple; more likely a date). It's a metaphor for the words spoken by the Israelites when they received the Torah on Mt. Sinai (maybe we should be baking apple cake for Shavuot?) -- first we will do, then we will listen. Apparently, an apple tree bears its fruit first and then the leaves come out. In more contemporary terms we could say that for Jews, the Torah is the apple of their eye.

In short, this Polish custom proves that from Rosh Hashanah to Simchat Torah, the apple gets to the core of our being.

Chag Sameach.


Apple photo credit

Pass on an Important Jewish Value Through This Moroccan Sukkot Custom

Looking for a social action/mitzvah project for your class, or for you and your family? A Moroccan Sukkot custom proves that sometimes you don't have to look further than your own backyard to do a good deed.

Sukkot is a time for Ushpizin -- the Aramaic word for guests. A widespread tradition for Jews around the world -- be it in the United States, Eastern Europe or the Middle East -- is to virtually invite a different Biblical guest (e.g. Avraham, Moshe, King David, etc.) during the seven days of the holiday to "join" the meal. While this is a wonderful learning opportunity (and a great custom to follow as well), many Moroccan Jews push the envelope by inviting a different poor person into their Sukkah every night as a replacement for a Biblical celeb. Not only do they reach out to the needy, but they make him feel like a king, placing him/her at the head of the table and providing a lavish feast.

The way I see it, this is an example of Jewish living at its best. Together, a family celebrates. Together, a family reaches out. Together, a family feels pride in belonging to the tribe.

Chag Sameach!

























Sukkah photo credit

Before Rosh Hashanah Begins Tunisian Jews Get Ready for Yom Kippur

For Tunisian Jews Yom Kippur is not for the Faint-Hearted! That's precisely why they have developed a unique pre-Rosh Hashanah custom. It will remind you of the post Succot tradition of tacking full cloves into the Etrog in order to turn it into a creative Havdalah spice.

Here's the deal. Tunisian Jews are mindful of the fact that fasting can affect one's physical well being, to the point of dizziness and fainting. Therefore, before Rosh Hashanah they take a quince fruit, roll it in ground spices, wrap it in a towel and let it sit covered until Yom Kippur. By the time Yom Kippur rolls around the same beautiful yellow quince is now brown, and let's face it, pungent! The strong odor helps people get through the fast day, and makes the day go by fast.

I have no idea what becomes of the quince once the fast is broken. Perhaps it becomes part of a pile of compost? Maybe it's used for Havdalah? But that's not the point. What's wonderful about this custom is that it can provide children with a meaningful and fun activity. It will make them feel part of the Yom Kippur tradition, even if they are not fasting. Seeing that they are creating a home-made "revival" fruit for the adults they love so much -- be it parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles -- they will also inadvertently tap into the ancient tradition of viewing a quince as the fruit of love.
You gotta love this custom. Happy quince hunting.



Quince photo credit

The Jews of Rhodes Have Different Symbolic Foods for Rosh Hashanah

Don't be fooled into thinking these are cherry tomatoes. They are superbly crafted marzipan cherries, similar to the marzipan treats that the Jews of Rhodes make for Rosh Hashanah.

They are part of the Rhodes recipe for a sweet year. In fact, the Jews of Rhodes eat a variety of symbolic foods quite different from the menu we are accustomed to. In addition to marzipan they make a white, lemon-flavored fondant to symbolize purity (and I assume sweetness). Several foods are made in a round shape to represent continuity and wholeness. The lineup includes a festive ring-shaped bread, savory pies, pastries and round, stuffed vegetables.

Salt on the table for Rosh Hashanah? Never. Only sugar. I don't have to explain why. And then there the foods that the Jews of Rhodes avoid eating.  Anything sour or bitter is shelved until after the holiday. Similarly, food goods like dark raisins, black olives and eggplants are scratched off the list since their color is associated with mourning.

While I normally hesitate to write about the cooking customs of different holidays, I couldn't resist this time around. I love the symbolism of the Rhodes Rosh Hashanah table. Tell your children and students about it.  Maybe they can come up with additional ideas.




Marzipan photo credit

A CUSTOM QUESTION: What do King Solomon, Isaac Newton & Steve Jobs Have in Common with Rosh Hashanah?

The connection between Isaac Newton and Steve Jobs is fairly obvious -- the apple of course! But King Solomon? That's a honey of a query. Certainly, he didn't ask: "To bee or not to bee a lover of apples?"

It turns out that this fruit was the apple of his eye. Look at what he penned in The Song of Songs: "As an apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. Under its shadow I delight to sit, and its fruit was sweet to my taste."

Now there's an Aha moment! In one breath we have an apple and a sweet taste. To paraphrase Newton -- for Solomon, the apple was the force directly proportional to the amount of sweetness we need.

Or perhaps Solomon was more like Steve Jobs, who simply enjoyed picking apples?

Whatever the reason, the lines penned by our ancient king of wisdom could very well be the origin of the apple-eating custom on Rosh Hashanah. And the tradition of dipping this fruit into the sweet, sticky fluid made by bees?

I don't want to upset the apple cart. I'm going to let you and your students/children connect the dots.

I'll be back soon with some more unusual traditions and thoughts about the High Holy Days.














King Solomon Credit
Isaac Newton Credit
Steve Jobs Photo Credit

Lost In Translation

Israelis have a tendency to think only in Israeli terms. After living 36 years in Israel I too tend to go in that direction.  Over the past few years  I've been asking myself why the majority of American Jews seem so disconnected to Israel? This past January I was fortunate enough to join my husband on a semester sabbatical in the Washington D.C. area. I used the opportunity to fly to several states for author presentations and teacher workshops, speak to Jewish educators and just listen, listen, listen to conversations. I returned to Israel realizing that the scope of the disconnect is far broader than I thought, reaching way beyond our tiny Jewish State. I felt compelled to write this article. It was just put up in the LA Jewish Journal and will be appearing in other American Jewish newspapers. Please have a read and let me know what you think of my take.  Do you agree? Disagree? Is there a way I can help you bridge the gap?
Kol Tuv
Tami


Photo credit

Recipes and Research: A New Summer Jewish Heritage Custom

Ynet -- the internet version of Israel's popular newspaper Yediot Ahranot -- reported a few days ago that Michelle Obama will include recipes of Israeli women living in Nazareth Ilit in her national health campaign "Let's Move!"

The recipes represent different denominations and ethnic groups residing in this northern Israeli city.
Nazareth Ilit aside, Israel is a mirror image of the Jewish people's melting pot -- one that has cooked up many delicious dishes over the centuries. Have a good look at your family tree (or start one now). You may be surprised to find out that your roots do not lie in one country, continent or condiment.

What did your ancestors cook up along the way? Tracing possible dishes and ingredients can transform idle summer hours into a cooking custom with many memorable master chef moments reflecting Jewish diversity. Take it a step further, and explore Jewish history in every country along your ancestors' path.



                                                                 
For example, Great Britain may have been one of their stops. There they learned to have a yen for  shepherd's pie. While it bakes, have a look at the history of British Jewish life. 

On to France, where ooh la la, there is so much to choose from. Did your grandmother's blintzes evolve from French crepes? BTW: do you know that Rashi -- the famous Biblical commentator -- was French and a vintner? Find out more about French Jewish history.

Next stop -- Istanbul. Perhaps that should be your first stop, for so much Jewish history is rooted to the Ottoman Empire. Let Jamie Geller show you how to make an easy Turkish salad. While you savor the taste find out if there is a connection between Christopher Columbus and the Jews of Turkey.


Hopefully I've whetted your appetite on how to create a new summer custom. For the teachers among you -- who knows, maybe you'll be able to transport this custom into your classroom?!

As they say in Hebrew -- בתאבון







Photo credit
Shepherd's pie photo credit
Crepe photo credit
Turkish salad photo credit

Summer Project Idea: Family Roots Tour

Looking for an unusual summer assignment? Even better -- something special for the family to do? My heirloom presentations have proven to me how much children want to connect with their ancestors and their heritage. So why not take the next step -- a family roots trip that brings heirlooms alive; a journey that will remind the younger generation that American Jews have a rich and fascinating history. A nation within a nation, they struggled, succeeded and made their mark. Many did so while making sure to preserve their Jewish identity. That's the message we want to bring home and what better time than during a summer vacation!

I bring this up because now I can speak from experience. Meet the descendants of Fannie and Charlie Sneider -- at least most of them.

As you can see, I am part of that tribe. Since my husband and I are in the States and soon on our way back to Israel, one of my cousins suggested a family reunion. The idea quickly evolved into a family roots tour, fittingly held Memorial Day weekend. It collectively transported us from Texas, Florida, Maryland, New York and New Jersey to Asbury Park. Yes it's Bruce Springstein's hometown, but our ancestors got there first. More importantly, they laid the foundation for Jewish life in this popular seashore resort.

Of course, nothing stays the same. The original building housing the synagogue Sons of Israel, founded by our great/grandfather no longer stands. But its second location -- circa 1949 -- remains an active part of a different stripe of the city's religious life. Today it's a Haitian church. Still, the stained glass windows with Jewish symbols remain in place.

The cemetery Great/Grandpa founded is beautifully kept up. Going to the family plot and viewing the tombstones of relatives long gone gave all of us pause.

As did the house where our grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles grew up.

And for those relatives who couldn't make it, but wanted to be part of this memorable family event, we Skyped them in and provided an update along with lots of laughs.

At the end of the weekend we all agreed that this was a trip well worth making. While most of the 20+ and 30+ generation couldn't  make it, a few did, including one set of young parents. A lot wiser about our family heritage, they now have the tools to pass the story down to the next generation. 

Now that's something to look forward to!

Special Offer for the Coming School Year

15% Discount on all Virtual Visits Booked by June 15

The school year is winding down and pretty soon you'll be planning next year's activities.

How about inviting me into your classroom via skype?

My virtual author visits engage students while at the same time reduce costs for you. Have a look at my extensive book repertoire.

There's a book and matching program for Hanukkah, Tu B'Shvat, Passover,Yom Hashoah and Yom Ha'Atzmaut, PLUS two wonderful books and a program on family heirlooms that help students connect with their ancestors and heritage.

Click here for more information on my virtual visits 

or contact me

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Tami

Turn the Shavuot Custom of Greenery Decorations into an Ecology Lesson

I couldn't help but see the constant green connection to Shavuot in my latest search for new customs. So many revolve around first fruits, greenery decorations, even paper cuts with  images of leaves and flowers surrounding the Torah and other Jewish symbols.

An aha moment? You bet. Especially when I connected the fact that the children of Israel wandered in the desert for 40 years and several millenia later their descendants took that same desert, tamed it and turned it into verdant fields.

Israel's modern agricultural miracle is a continuation of the rules the Torah taught us about protecting the environment -- and like Tu B'Shvat, Shavuot is a timely holiday for rejoicing over the environmental protection blueprint which the Torah has provided.

Have a look at two of the many environmental lessons from the Torah that we can share with our children:

1. Orlah: Connect celebrating the appearance of first fruits with this law teaching us that nature needs time to mature. While we rejoice over seeing the first fruits of a tree (usually in the third year), to truly savor its taste we must wait one more year before taking our first bite.

2. Bal Tash'khit: This Biblical law teaches us how to preserve the land. Over the centuries the rabbis expanded on it to include the concept of using only what is necessary.

Looking for another green connection with Shavuot? Try this out for size: The story of Ruth incorporates the world's first food drive. After all, didn't Boaz tell Ruth she could reap from the leftover bounty in his fields?

A different slant for this year's Shavuot lesson? Continue your green lesson plan by leafing through the pages of my book, Green Bible Stories for Children for more eco-lesson ideas.

Photo Credit

The Custom of Shabbat Heirlooms

Today I had the privilege of appearing at the Melvin J. Berman Hebrew Academy in Rockville, Maryland. Using my book Lotty's Lace Tablecloth, we focused on the importance of family heirlooms -- how they connect us to our ancestors and our Jewish way of life. For starters, before reading the book I showed 4th grade students the lace doily for placing Sabbath candlesticks on, that my grandmother made as a wedding gift for my mother.

Afterwards, I asked the students to show their heirlooms and tell the tale behind them. Some wonderful stories emerged, including tales of bravery and service in the American army.

I was particularly taken by how many children brought in ritual objects related to Shabbat. It was amazing hearing about ancestors fleeing Russia (I assume pogroms) and making sure they had their precious candlesticks with them.  Some brought in the actual candlesticks, others brought photos.























A wood Havdalah spice box made in Israel during the early years of statehood was also proudly exhibited. Since I am always looking for unconventional heirlooms, I especially appreciated the Shabbat gefilte fish cleaver the girl below brought in -- and her reenactment of how her grandmother chopped the fish.

Talk about unconventional -- how about this Cantor's robe?!

Yes -- kids love heirlooms and learning the stories behind them. If you're a teacher, a Shabbat heirloom show & tell is an enriching program. If you're a parent, what better way to connect your children with their ancestors?! What's that -- you don't have a Shabbat related heirloom? It's never too late.  Start the tradition now.

Shabbat Shalom.