As we approach Chanukah, I am reminded of the profound message it carries for all of us, especially in these very challenging times. Our tradition teaches us that Am Yisrael, the people of Israel, is commanded to be a light unto other nations. This concept finds a beautiful parallel in the lighting of the chanukiah, where the shamash, the helper candle, spreads its light to the other candles.
As a Jewish educator, I am constantly struck by how much of our history and tradition has been shaped by men.
As we approach Chanukah, I am reminded of the profound message it carries for all of us, especially in these very challenging times. Our tradition teaches us that Am Yisrael, the people of Israel, is commanded to be a light unto other nations. This concept finds a beautiful parallel in the lighting of the chanukiah, where the shamash, the helper candle, spreads its light to the other candles.
In the world of Jewish education, we often find ourselves at the crossroads of tradition and modern pedagogy. One such juncture is the way we teach children about apologies and the essence of Yom Kippur. While the Day of Atonement is traditionally a time for saying sorry to G!D for our transgressions, it's essential to delve deeper into its meaning, especially when imparting its significance to the young minds in our care.
The Modern Approach to Apologies
In contemporary teaching, we emphasize the importance of children understanding their actions rather than merely saying the word "sorry." It's about acknowledging what they did, understanding the impact of their actions, and committing to doing better in the future. This approach is more genuine and fosters a sense of responsibility and empathy.
For instance, instead of a child saying, "I'm sorry for taking your toy," we encourage them to say, "I shouldn't have taken your toy without asking. Next time, I'll ask first." This method not only acknowledges the misstep but also sets a positive path forward.
Yom Kippur: A Deeper Understanding
Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, is a day of reflection, repentance, and seeking forgiveness from G!D. As adults, we understand the gravity of this day and the importance of saying sorry for our transgressions over the past year. However, when teaching young children about Yom Kippur, it's crucial to approach it with the same depth and understanding we apply to everyday apologies.
Instead of merely teaching children to say sorry to G!D, we should guide them toward understanding why we are all seeking forgiveness. It's about introspection, recognizing where we might have gone astray, and committing to a path of righteousness and good deeds in the coming year.
Bridging the Gap
So, how do we bridge the gap between the modern approach to apologies and the traditional essence of Yom Kippur?
Storytelling: Use stories from the Torah or parables that highlight the themes of repentance and forgiveness. This will help children relate to the concepts in a more tangible way.
Interactive Discussions: Encourage children to share instances where they might have done something wrong and how they made it right. This will foster a sense of community and understanding.
Emphasize Empathy: Just as we teach children to understand the feelings of those they might have wronged, we can teach them to empathize with the broader community and the world. This will help them grasp the collective nature of Yom Kippur.
While the act of saying "sorry" on Yom Kippur is deeply ingrained in our traditions, it's essential to ensure that our children understand the depth and significance behind this act. By bridging modern teaching methods with our age-old traditions, we can impart a more profound, lasting understanding of Yom Kippur to the next generation.
I am excited to share this article that was published in The Jewish Educator. It is based on a session I presented at the NewCAJE conference. I spoke about storytelling in the ECE classroom, and as you know, this subject is close to my heart. The talk had additional significance because I was a member of the first cohort of the RISE Storytelling Initiative of NewCAJE. Some of that learning and experience was incorporated into the presentation, and you’ll find it in this published piece. Enjoy the read and let’s connect. I would love to know how you incorporate storytelling into your life.
As we approach the Tishrei holidays I want to share a story I tell using my Rosh Hashanah feltboard illustrations. I recorded a video of the story and posted it on Facebook and I hope it inspires you to tell your own Rosh Hashanah stories.
Click here to view the Feltboard illustrations I used for this story.
For Sukkot I have a set of feltboard illustrations that includes a build your own sukkah and pieces to teach how to assemble your own lulav and etrog. This is also a useful tool for learning numeracy skills.
Find the Sukkot round challah set here.
Find the Sukkot braided challah set here.
Enjoy the story of Tree and Bird: A Simchat Torah Adventure as Bird learns about our most festive holiday.
