Holiday Series

 

Rosh Hashanah - Shofar Factory:

With unique media and innovative presentation methods, participants will:

  • Gain insight into the significance of the Shofar in the celebration of Rosh Hashanah
  • Craft a genuine Shofar from the raw horn of a ram.
  • See and hear a demonstration of the traditional blasts, while acquiring skills of blowing the Shofar.

OPTIONAL:  Craft one Shofar to be used at the school's discretion; for an additional fee, students may craft and take home their own Shofar.


Succos - Lulav and Etrog:

In an imaginary shuk (market place), children become expert shoppers where they:

  • Feel the distinct texture of Estrogim from around the world and smell their sweet fragrance.
  • Smell and touch the other three species:  the Lulav (palm branch); the Hadas (myrtle); and Arava (willow).
  • Enjoy a video vividly illustrating the beauty of the "Four Species".
  • Learn to arrange and hold a "Four Species" set in the proper manner, as well as the Torah source for each Mitzvah.
  • Create a lulav-holder from strips of palm branches. The group receives one finished set!

This program is greatly enhanced when presented in a school or community Sukkah.


Chanukah - Olive Press:

As a group of Macabees, students will refine the olive oil needed for the Temple Menorah while they:

  • Pit fresh olives, squeeze them with a hand press.
  • Strain and then spin the extract in a centrifuge to separate the pure oil.
  • Enjoy a video of an olive oil factory in Italy which introduces them to the modern process.
  • Fashion a wick out of cotton for use with the oil when lighting the Menorah.

OPTIONAL: Take home a sample of the oil.


Purim - Multimedia Megillah:

Our multi-media presentation of the Megillah will add excitement and understanding to the story of Purim as children:

  • View a full-color slide show painted by artist Norman Nodel and produced by Tzivos Hashem.
  • Enter the story of Purim as actors and actresses.
  • Learn about and practice the Mitzvot of Purim.

 
Pesach - Matzah Bakery:

Passover will become more meaningful when children have a chance to dig into the dough as they:

  • Produce flour from wheat kernels, winnow and separate the chaff from the grain.
  • Collect the grain into a hand-driven wheat mill and grind it into flour.
  • Knead, roll, and bake the dough into a handmade matzah in the required amount of time.
  • Delight in taking home their very own freshly baked matzah, a baker's hat, and a Shmurah Matzah for their family Seder table.

Shavuot - Torah Factory:

The extraordinary complex process of creating a Torah, including its wooden, metal and cloth ornaments, are highlighted.  This program may be adapted for a Torah-writing ceremony (starting or completing).  Participants:

 

Gain an appreciation of the special skills required for this intricate task.

 

  • View a video and samples illustrating the process of making a Torah scroll, starting with the raw hide, through tanning and sanding, until the parchment is finished.

  • Mix the basic ingredients used to make ink for a sofer (scribe).

  • Write their Hebrew name with a goose quill, in the script used by a sofer, on a piece of parchment which they take home.

  • Take home a souvenir scribes kit.