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4 Unit(s), 15 Resource(s),

Unit

The Why of Shabbat

What are the philosophical underpinnings of Shabbat observance that make it a critical area of religious observance throughout history? In this house this will be explored through the eyes of several contemporary Jewish thinkers.

Ages: 15-18,
Unit

The How of Shabbat

In this house the “how of shabbat observance” will be explored in all its complexity and diversity among the Jewish people today.

Ages: 15-18,
Unit

Shabbat – A Day of Rest and Holiness

This unit discusses the uniqueness of Shabbat as a day of rest from work and a day that is different from other days of the week.

Ages: 9-11, 12-14,
Unit

Shabbat – Rituals

This unit on Shabbat deals with the various ceremonies and rituals traditionally performed over the course of Shabbat – including candle lighting, kiddush (the blessing over the wine) and havdalah (the ceremony differentiating between Shabbat and the rest of the week).

Ages: 6-8, 9-11,
Resource

Shabbat as a Taster of the World to Come (the afterlife)

In this block we will look at three sources that compare the experience of observing shabbat to the World to Come (the afterlife).

Ages: 15-18,
Resource

Shabbat and Creation

In this block we will consider the connections between Shabbat and the Creation of the world.

Ages: 15-18,
Resource

Shabbat is the heart of Jewish life

In this block we will look at the historical, cultural, and sociological impact of shabbat observance on the Jewish people.

Ages: 15-18,
Resource

Shabbat and the Exodus

In this block we will consider the connections between Shabbat and the Exodus.

Ages: 15-18,
Resource

Shabbat is being in the present

In this block we will look at several sources who all approach shabbat as a means to pause and take stock, be present in the moment, and focus on ourselves.

Ages: 15-18,
Resource

The Spirit of Shabbat

In this block we will explore the overall theme of “rest” on shabbat as a way to maintain the spirit of shabbat.

Ages: 15-18,
Resource

Contemporary Approaches to Shabbat

In this block we will explore contemporary approaches to shabbat observance from various streams of Judaism that differ in some way from Orthodox observance.

Ages: 15-18,
Resource

Zachor – the “dos” of Shabbat

In this resource we will consider the positive aspects of Shabbat observance, including the positive mitzvot involved in an active Shabbat observance.

Ages: 15-18,
Resource

Shamor – the “do nots” of shabbat

In this block we will consider the classic Biblical and Talmudic sources for the prohibitions involved in shabbat observance.

Ages: 15-18,
Resource

The Shabbat Queen

We will read the poem “The Shabbat Queen” by Chaim Nachman Bialik to learn about the main aspects of Shabbat and the ceremonies and customs of the day, in the order of their occurrence from Friday evening through sunset on Saturday.

Ages: 6-8, 9-11,
Resource

Lecha Dodi

It is traditional to welcome Shabbat with psalms and poems (piyutim), including the song Lecha Dodi. This resource discusses the song and the feeling of anticipation and excitement as Shabbat approaches.

Ages: 9-11, 12-14,
Resource

Shabbat – A Palace in Time

Abraham Joshua Heschel compares Shabbat to a “palace in time” – a superior and special place we come to once a week.

Ages: 12-14,
Resource

Feeling Shabbat – People Creating Holiness

We will use a Hassidic story to discuss the power of symbols and human actions to create an atmosphere of Shabbat.

Ages: 12-14,
Resource

Kiddush and Kedusha

We’ll become familiar with the Kiddush blessing that is said on Friday evening. We’ll look at the concept of kedusha (holiness), in general, and the kedusha of Shabbat, in particular.

Ages: 12-14,
Resource

Blowing the Shofar

On the origins and meanings of the mitzva of hearing the shofar on Rosh Hashanah.

Ages: 9-11, 12-14,