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.
• OPTION: Craft one Shofar to be used at the school's discretion; for an additional fee, students may craft and take home their own Shofar.
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Succos - Lulav and Etrog
In an imaginary shuk (market place), children become expert shopper 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Shavuot - Torah Factory
The extraordinary complex process of creating a Torah, including its wooden, metal and cloth ornaments, are highlighted. 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.
This program may be adapted for a Torah-writing ceremony (starting or comleting).
