Archive for April 2018
Shavuot 101
This introductory article briefly explains the history, customs and significance of Shavuot, a lesser known Jewish holiday that commemorates the spring harvest and the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai. It is a helpful resource
The Ten Commandments: A Shavuot Lesson Plan for High School Students
This link opens up a detailed hour long lesson plan where students explore a theory regarding the division of the Ten Commandments onto two tablets. Created by Moshe Abelesz for high school students, this
The Song of Bread: A Zionist Yiddish Song for Shavuot
This video presents The Song of Bread, a Yiddish folk song written by poet and composer Mark Warshawsky about the goodness of the land of Israel, dedicated to the Eastern European pioneers who
Our Baskets Are On Our Shoulders: A Hebrew Children’s Song for Shavuot
This upbeat animated video presents a popular Israeli children’s song abut Shavuot. The lyrics describe people coming from all over the land of Israel to bring “bikurim” – the offering of the first
Stay Up All Night: A Shavuot Parody
This amusing video presents a song about Tikkun Leil Shavuot, the custom of learning Torah all night long on Shavuot. From the Rebbetzin Tap “Jewish Holiday Celebration” DVD, this song contains customs, language and
Koolulam: 12,000 Israelis Sing Naomi Shemer’s “Al Kol Ele”
This inspirational video presents 12,000 Israelis from all walks of life who gathered together to sing “Al Kol Ele” by Naomi Shemer in honor of Israel’s 70th Independence Day. The group is led
S.Y. Agnon’s Nobel Prize Acceptance Speech
This post presents the audio recording (Hebrew) and translated text of a short excerpt from Israeli author Shai (Shmuel Yosef) Agnon’s acceptance speech after being awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. Although Agnon
Remembrance & Renewal: Yom Ha’atzmaut Activities for Children
This post presents a series of fun and educational games and activities about the history and significance of the State of Israel for children from ages 8-12. Created by the Bnei Akiva Religious
The Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel (Text & Video)
This post provides resources about the Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel, including a short video with information and excerpts from the historic event, a 13 minute video of the full declaration
A Message from the URJ for Yom Hazikaron & Yom Ha’atzmaut
In this short video, Rabbi Rick Jacobs, the President of the Union for Reform Judaism, encourages viewers to commemorate, connect and commit to Israel on the country’s memorial and independence days. Despite the