Shavuot is celebrated seven weeks after Passover, usually in late May or early June when the wheat harvest ripens. Shavuot which means “weeks” is also known as the “Festival of First Fruits.” In biblical times, farmers brought bread baked from the spring wheat harvest to the Temple in Jerusalem as…
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Yom Ha’Atzmaut Celebrations and Two Video book readings for Children, Early Childhood Students, Teachers and Parents
Yom Ha’Atzmaut – Background Biblical Israel dates back 3000 years. After the destruction of the Second Temple 2000 years ago, the Jewish people were dispersed to other countries all over the world. It wasn’t until 1948 that the modern country of Israel was created. In 70 C.E., the Jewish people…
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Jewish Education, Writing Children’s Books and the Vilna Gaon
A story of Rabbi Elijah of Vilna influenced my decision to become a Jewish educator and ultimately, a writer. He is often referred to as the Vilna Gaon or Genius of Vilna. Born in 1720, he was studying the Bible and Talmud by the age of 6. Although he grew…
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Tu B’Shevat Holiday Links
Tu B’Shevat, the “birthday of the trees” begins soon. Readers may wish to re-visit my two posts by clicking on either paragraph: FOOD FOR THOUGHT ON TU B’SHEVAT published February 2012: The school where I work has a policy that allows for the use of food in sensory experiences. One…
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“So, I painted this small heart because I want to say, Just how much I love Shabbat. It’s my favorite day!” from “The Littlest Candlesticks”
PUBLISHED IN 2002, PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY WROTE THE FOLLOWING ABOUT “THE LITTLEST CANDLESTICKS”: “ON THE HEELS OF THE LITTLEST PAIR’S WINNING THE 2002 NATIONAL JEWISH BOOK AWARD IN THE PICTURE-BOOK CATEGORY COMES THE LITTLEST CANDLESTICKS…. COUPLETS DESCRIBE A GIRL’S WISH FOR HER OWN SABBATH CANDLESTICKS, LIKE HER MOTHER AND HER OLDER…
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New Songs for Tu B’Shevat
Tu B’Shevat I hope you enjoy these original Tu B’Shevat songs. I wrote these songs for children, parents and teachers to use when they celebrate and learn about the holiday of Tu B’Shevat, the “birthday for the trees”. Hag Sameach, Sylvia Tu B’Shevat is Here (The…
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