Family Education Weekly Home Lessons
Bring Jewish Learning Home
These weekly lessons provide the flexible, at-home engagement component of the Kol Shira Family Education Program, allowing families to explore Jewish traditions, values, and music together. Enrolled Families: Select your current week's lesson below to explore your learning. Prospective Families: Looking for a holistic, community-based alternative to traditional religious school? Contact Cantor Gostein to learn more about our program.
Simchat Torah Songs and Activities
Celebrate the days of Sukkot and get ready for Simchat Torah. This week’s post offers books and audio stories by age, family discussion questions, hands-on Torah activities, and songs about creation and learning.
Chag Sameiach חַג שָׂמֵחַ (happy holiday)! It was great seeing many of you this Sukkot Shabbat, shaking the lulav and celebrating together.
For today, I say, “Mo-adim l’simcha” מוֹעֲדִים לְשִׂמְחָה (joyous festivals)! This greeting is appropriate for the middle days of Sukkot. You can respond, “Chagim uzmanim l’sason” חֲגִים וּזְמַנִּים לְשָׂשׂון (festivals and seasons of joy). Listen to a song about this greeting.
I look forward to more gathering and learning with you at Simchat Torah this Friday evening!
A big thank you to the Price and Litvin families for their creative activities, organization, and hard work for the children and families during the High Holy Days!
Weekly Music and Activity Curriculum
Listen to these songs all week long—as lullabies or car music, or as background music for dancing and art activities! Integrate the activities into mealtime, nighttime preparation, or daily play and family time.
Alef-bet Song (Hebrew Alphabet)
David Melech (David, King of Israel)
This song helps children learn some basic vocabulary: kein (yes), lo (no), ima (mother), aba (father), geshem (rain), and shemesh (sun).
David Melech Yisra-eil
דָוִד מֶלֶךְ יְשׂרָאֵל
Chai, chai v’kayam (3×)
חַי חַי וְקַיָם
Ken / Lo (yes / no): כֵּן / לֹא
Ima / Aba (mother / father): אִמָא / אַבָּא
Geshem / Shemesh (rain / sun): גֶּשֶׁם / שֶׁמֶשׁ
Simchat Torah Books and Activities
On Simchat Torah, we read from the very end of the Torah and then from the very beginning—the story of creation.
Books and Audio Stories
Ages 3–5: Sammy Spider’s First Simchat Torah
Ages 5–6: Listen to a Simchat Torah story
Ages 7–11: The Patchwork Torah
Discussion Questions for Young Children (Ages 4–8)
Favorites: What is your favorite story from the Torah, or a favorite book you own? Why do you love hearing it over and over again?
Beginnings: We finish reading the very end of the Torah and immediately start reading the very first word, Beresheet (“In the beginning”). What is a new beginning you are excited about or proud of this year?
Celebration: Why do you think we dance, sing, and eat sweets to celebrate finishing a big book? How would it feel to dance with a Torah scroll that is taller than you?
Discussion Questions for Older Kids and Tweens (Ages 9–12)
Perspective: Think of a story or character you learned about when you were very little. Do you see that story differently now that you are older? What changed your mind?
Goals: Simchat Torah celebrates completing an annual journey through the entire Torah. What is a big goal you worked hard to complete this past year, and how did you celebrate it?
Connection: The Torah teaches us to celebrate together with everyone in the community. What makes celebrating with a big, noisy, diverse group of people different from celebrating alone or just at home?
Explore the Torah Scroll
Come to services to look at the ark and the Torah scrolls. Ask the cantor to take a Torah from the ark and show it to you. If you do not have a real Torah available, use a miniature one with Hebrew writing.
Look at the Torah’s beautiful cover, called a mantle. It protects the scroll. See how the Torah is rolled up and how its letters are written in a special way called calligraphy. We use a yad, a pointer shaped like a hand, to point to the words when we read the Torah.
Make Simchat Torah Flags
Make flags to use while marching with the Torah.
Make a Wearable Torah Mantle
Using an old pillowcase for each child, cut a hole for the head in the end opposite the opening and two armholes near the top of each side. Let each child decorate their mantle with a variety of materials. Wear the mantles to march with the Torahs!
Songs for Simchat Torah
Al Shlosha D’varim (C. Tzur)
Al sh’loshah d’varim
ha-olam omeid
עַל שְׁלֹשָׁה דְּבָרִים
הָעוֹלָם עוֹמֵד:
Al hatorah, v’al ha-avodah,
v’al g’milut chasadim
עַל הַתּוֹרָה, וְעַל הָעֲבוֹדָה
וְעַל גְּמִילוּת חֲסָדִים.
Translation: Upon three things the world stands: on Torah, on service (prayer), and on loving kindness. — Pirkei Avot 1:2
Sweet as Honey (D. Nichols)
This song includes the blessing for studying Torah. Studying Torah is supposed to be as sweet as honey!
Sweet as honey, sweet as honey, sweet as honey on our tongue
Sweet as honey, sweet as honey, sweet as honey on our tongue
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יהוה אֱלהֵינוּ מֶלֶך–הָעולָם
אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָנוּ בְּמִצְותָיו
וְצִוָּנוּ לַעֲסק בְּדִבְרֵי-תורָה.
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha-olam
Asher k’dishanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu
La-asok b’divrei Torah
La-asok b’divrei Torah
Sweet as honey, sweet as honey, sweet as honey on our tongue
Let us soak it up and let it all sink in
Sweet words of Torah
It’s All Good (R. Sherwin, with Sababa!)
Text: Psalm 136:1 and Genesis 1:31
Chorus:
It’s all good, it’s all good—God made it and it’s all good
We thank you, God, for the gifts you bring / For the food we eat, for the songs we sing
We thank you, God, for the earth and sky / For our family’s love as the days go by
Chorus
We thank you, God, for the night and day / For the gift of Torah that shows us the way
We thank you, God, for our Sabbath rest / For You are One, and we are blessed!
Chorus
Hodu L’adonai, L’adonai ki tov
Vayar Elohim et kol asher asah
V’hinei tov m’od
Give thanks to God, for God is good!
God saw everything that God had created, and it was good.
Once Upon a Time (Avni)
Once upon a time, it was right at the start,
And God said, “I’m gonna make light and dark.”
And God said (clap, clap), “It’s the first day,
And I did very good work today.”
Once upon a time, it was day number two.
The waters were parted, and heaven came through.
And God said (clap, clap), “It’s the second day,
And I did very good work today.”
Once upon a time, it was day number three.
The land appeared, all covered with trees.
And God said (clap, clap), “It’s the third day,
And I did very good work today.”
Once upon a time, it was day number four.
We had the sun and the moon and the stars galore.
And God said (clap, clap), “It’s the fourth day,
And I did very good work today.”
Once upon a time, it was day number five.
We had the fish in the water and the birds in the sky.
And God said (clap, clap), “It’s the fifth day,
And I did very good work today.”
Once upon a time, it was day number six.
The people and the animals were doin’ their tricks.
And God said (clap, clap), “It’s the sixth day,
And I did very good work today.”
Once upon a time, it was day number seven.
And God said, “I finished the earth and the heavens.”
And God said (clap, clap), “It’s the seventh day,
And I’m gonna rest all day today.”
“Yes,” God said (clap, clap), “It’s the seventh day.
And I’m gonna rest all day today.”
From Yom Kippur to Sukkot and Simchat Torah
As Yom Kippur begins, look ahead to Sukkot and Simchat Torah with family discussion questions, a mini sukkah activity, blessings, and songs. Explore gratitude, hospitality, the lulav, and the joy of studying Torah.
G’mar Chatimah Tovah! גְּמַר חֲתִימָה טוֹבָה
May you be sealed in the Book of Life for a good year! I look forward to seeing you for Yom Kippur tonight and tomorrow, followed by Sukkot and Simchat Torah—great opportunities for learning, friendship, and spiritual enrichment for kids and the whole family.
Weekly Music and Activities
Listen to these songs all week long—as lullabies or car music, or as background music for dancing and art activities! Integrate the activities into mealtime, nighttime preparation, or daily play and family time.
Alef-bet Song (Hebrew Alphabet)
David Melech (David, King of Israel)
This song helps children learn some basic vocabulary: kein (yes), lo (no), ima (mother), aba (father), geshem (rain), and shemesh (sun).
David Melech Yisra-eil
דָוִד מֶלֶךְ יְשׂרָאֵל
Chai, chai v’kayam (3×)
חַי חַי וְקַיָם
Ken / Lo (yes / no): כֵּן / לֹא
Ima / Aba (mother / father): אִמָא / אַבָּא
Geshem / Shemesh (rain / sun): גֶּשֶׁם / שֶׁמֶשׁ
Books for the Holidays
The Hardest Word
The Hardest Word on PJ Library is a book to explore together for Yom Kippur.
Tamar’s Sukkah
Tamar’s Sukkah on PJ Library is a book to explore together for Sukkot.
Sukkot Discussions and Activities
Discuss: Building and Living in the Sukkah
What makes our temporary sukkah feel different from our permanent house, and what makes it feel special?
If you could bring only three things into the sukkah to make it feel like “home,” what would they be?
How does sitting under an open roof and looking up at the stars change the way we feel?
What is one way everyone in our family helped build or decorate our space?
Discuss: Gratitude and Nature
Sukkot is a harvest festival. What is something from nature—like a fruit, a tree, or the weather—that you are most thankful for this year?
How does spending time outside help us appreciate the things we usually take for granted inside our regular homes?
What is the difference between things that are temporary, like the sukkah, and things that are permanent in our lives?
Discuss: Hospitality and Guests (Ushpizin)
Sukkot is famous for welcoming guests. Who is a fun or inspiring person—historical, biblical, or a friend—you would love to invite to dinner in our sukkah?
What do you think a guest brings to a room just by being there?
How can our family make sure that someone who feels lonely or left out is welcomed this season?
Make a Mini Sukkah
Kids can make their own mini sukkah from food items.
Blessings for the Sukkah and Lulav
Explore Sukkot blessings and instructions, including a video showing how to hold the lulav and etrog and shake the lulav. You can use the blessings in your own sukkah or when visiting someone else’s.
Songs for Sukkot
Sukkot is a holiday of harvest and thanksgiving.
Hodu L’Adonai (D. Maseng)
The recording uses words for Shabbat, but we’ll use the melody for these words from Psalm 118:1–4. We sing them as part of Hallel, a poem of praise, during festivals.
Hodu l’Adonai ki tov, ki l’olam chasdo.
הֹדוּ לַה׳ כִּי טוֹב, כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ
Yomar-na Yisra-eil, ki l’olam chasdo.
יֹאמַר-נָא יִשְׁרָאֵל, כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ.
Yomru-na beit Aharon, ki l’olam chasdo.
יֹאמְרוּ-נָא בֵית אַהֲרֹן, כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ.
Yomru-na yirei Adonai, ki l’olam chasdo.
יֹאמְרוּ-נָא יִרְאֵי ה׳, כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ.
Translation:
Give thanks to the Eternal, for God is good; God’s lovingkindness endures forever.
Let Israel say: God’s lovingkindness endures forever.
Let the house of Aaron say: God’s lovingkindness endures forever.
Let those who revere the Eternal say: God’s lovingkindness endures forever.
Lulav Shake (S. Dropkin)
Sukkot is a harvest holiday
The celebration lasts for seven days
We build our sukkah
Then we decorate
A special booth in which we congregate.
Chorus:
Do the lulav shake (shake, shake, shake) (3×)
Do the lulav shake.
The symbols of Sukkot are quite unique
They show God’s presence the entire week.
The etrog’s smell gets into the air
We wave the lulav everywhere.
Chorus
Hadas and aravah on either side
Surround the lulav that we shake with pride.
To the north, the south, the west and to the east
We celebrate and then we feast.
Chorus
Build a Sukkah (J. Black)
You get the boards, I’ll get some gourds
We’ll put some leaves on the roof on top of 2-by-4’s
Chorus:
Build a sukkah, build a sukkah,
We’re gonna build a sukkah, gonna live in it all week long
You get the popcorn, I’ll get the string
When we build our sukkah, yeah, we’ll dance and sing.
Shake your lulav to the ground, shake your lulav in the air
You know you shake it north, you shake it south
You shake it east, you shake it west—God is everywhere
We sleep in our sukkah, see the stars up above
It makes us thankful for all God’s love.
Songs for Simchat Torah
After Sukkot comes Simchat Torah. We read from the very end of the Torah and then from the very beginning—the story of creation.
Sweet as Honey (D. Nichols)
This song includes the blessing for studying Torah. Studying Torah is supposed to be as sweet as honey!
Sweet as honey, sweet as honey, sweet as honey on our tongue
Sweet as honey, sweet as honey, sweet as honey on our tongue
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יהוה אֱלהֵינוּ מֶלֶך–הָעולָם
אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָנוּ בְּמִצְותָיו
וְצִוָּנוּ לַעֲסק בְּדִבְרֵי-תורָה.
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha-olam
Asher k’dishanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu
La-asok b’divrei Torah
La-asok b’divrei Torah
Sweet as honey, sweet as honey, sweet as honey on our tongue
Let us soak it up and let it all sink in
Sweet words of Torah
It’s All Good (R. Sherwin, with Sababa!)
Text: Psalm 136:1 and Genesis 1:31
Chorus:
It’s all good, it’s all good—God made it and it’s all good
We thank you, God, for the gifts you bring / For the food we eat, for the songs we sing
We thank you, God, for the earth and sky / For our family’s love as the days go by
Chorus
We thank you, God, for the night and day / For the gift of Torah that shows us the way
We thank you, God, for our Sabbath rest / For You are One, and we are blessed!
Chorus
Hodu L’adonai, L’adonai ki tov
Vayar Elohim et kol asher asah
V’hinei tov m’od
Give thanks to God, for God is good!
God saw everything that God had created, and it was good.
Once Upon a Time (Avni)
Once upon a time, it was right at the start,
And God said, “I’m gonna make light and dark.”
And God said (clap, clap), “It’s the first day,
And I did very good work today.”
Once upon a time, it was day number two.
The waters were parted, and heaven came through.
And God said (clap, clap), “It’s the second day,
And I did very good work today.”
Once upon a time, it was day number three.
The land appeared, all covered with trees.
And God said (clap, clap), “It’s the third day,
And I did very good work today.”
Once upon a time, it was day number four.
We had the sun and the moon and the stars galore.
And God said (clap, clap), “It’s the fourth day,
And I did very good work today.”
Once upon a time, it was day number five.
We had the fish in the water and the birds in the sky.
And God said (clap, clap), “It’s the fifth day,
And I did very good work today.”
Once upon a time, it was day number six.
The people and the animals were doin’ their tricks.
And God said (clap, clap), “It’s the sixth day,
And I did very good work today.”
Once upon a time, it was day number seven.
And God said, “I finished the earth and the heavens.”
And God said (clap, clap), “It’s the seventh day,
And I’m gonna rest all day today.”
“Yes,” God said (clap, clap), “It’s the seventh day.
And I’m gonna rest all day today.”
Enjoy!
Yom Kippur, Sukkot, and Simchat Torah
Talk with children about apologies, forgiveness, and being their best selves as Yom Kippur approaches. The post also includes books and songs for Sukkot, plus a first look at Simchat Torah.
It was wonderful seeing some of you over Rosh Hashanah—whether at services, enjoying the crafts and activities set up by Becca and Victoria, or at Tashlich in the park on Sunday! There is more to come for Yom Kippur, followed by Sukkot and Simchat Torah—great opportunities for kids and the whole family.
Weekly Music and Activities
Listen to these songs all week long—as lullabies or car music, or as background music for dancing and art activities! Integrate the activities into mealtime, nighttime preparation, or daily play and family time.
Alef-bet Song (Hebrew Alphabet)
David Melech (David, King of Israel)
This song helps children learn some basic vocabulary: kein (yes), lo (no), ima (mother), aba (father), geshem (rain), and shemesh (sun).
David Melech Yisra-eil
דָוִד מֶלֶךְ יְשׂרָאֵל
Chai, chai v’kayam (3×)
חַי חַי וְקַיָם
Ken / Lo (yes / no): כֵּן / לֹא
Ima / Aba (mother / father): אִמָא / אַבָּא
Geshem / Shemesh (rain / sun): גֶּשֶׁם / שֶׁמֶשׁ
Books and Discussion for Yom Kippur
The Hardest Word
The Hardest Word on PJ Library is a book to explore together for Yom Kippur.
Discuss: Saying Sorry and Making Up (Teshuvah)
What is the difference between saying “sorry” and actually feeling sorry?
If you accidentally hurt someone’s feelings, what is the best way to fix it?
Why do you think it is sometimes hard to say “I’m sorry”? How can we make it easier?
Is there anyone you want to apologize to before Yom Kippur starts?
Discuss: Forgiving Others
Think of a time someone apologized to you. Was it easy or hard to forgive them? Why?
What happens inside our hearts when we hold onto a grudge instead of forgiving someone?
Does forgiving someone mean we forget what they did, or does it mean something else?
Discuss: Being Our Best Selves
Yom Kippur is like a “reset button” for our behavior. If you could press a reset button on one habit, what would it be?
What is one thing you did this past year that made you feel really proud?
What is one way you want to be a better friend, sibling, or helper in the coming year?
Songs for Yom Kippur
Avinu Malkeinu: English Rendition
Avinu Malkeinu (Traditional)
God is our parent (Avinu) and our ruler (Malkeinu)—different ways we can view or experience God. We want God to be compassionate (choneinu) like a parent and answer us (va’aneinu). Listen for the word tzedakah (justice). Our “deeds are wanting”—we want to do better in our actions.
This is closely related to the task of “returning” during the High Holy Days: we come humbly before God to ask forgiveness.
V’al Kulam (Traditional)
In the Al Cheit, we list missteps that we or our community might make. Then we sing v’al kulam—“for all of these”—and ask God to forgive us, pardon us, and grant us atonement.
A Book and Songs for Sukkot
Sukkot is a holiday of harvest and thanksgiving.
Tamar’s Sukkah
Tamar’s Sukkah on PJ Library is a book to explore together for Sukkot.
Hodu L’Adonai (D. Maseng)
The recording uses words for Shabbat, but we’ll use the melody for these words from Psalm 118:1–4. We sing them as part of Hallel, a poem of praise, during festivals.
Hodu ladonai ki tov, ki l’olam chasdo.
הֹדוּ לַה׳ כִּי טוֹב, כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ
Yomar-na Yisrael, ki l’olam chasdo.
יֹאמַר-נָא יִשְׁרָאֵל, כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ.
Yomru-na beit Aharon, ki l’olam chasdo.
יֹאמְרוּ-נָא בֵית אַהֲרֹן, כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ.
Yomru-na yirei Adonai, ki l’olam chasdo.
יֹאמְרוּ-נָא יִרְאֵי ה׳, כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ.
Translation:
Give thanks to the Eternal, for God is good; God’s lovingkindness endures forever.
Let Israel say: God’s lovingkindness endures forever.
Let the house of Aaron say: God’s lovingkindness endures forever.
Let those who revere the Eternal say: God’s lovingkindness endures forever.
Lulav Shake (S. Dropkin)
Sukkot is a harvest holiday
The celebration lasts for seven days
We build our sukkah
Then we decorate
A special booth in which we congregate.
Chorus:
Do the lulav shake (shake, shake, shake) (3×)
Do the lulav shake.
The symbols of Sukkot are quite unique
They show God’s presence the entire week.
The etrog’s smell gets into the air
We wave the lulav everywhere.
Chorus
Hadas and aravah on either side
Surround the lulav that we shake with pride.
To the north, the south, the west and to the east
We celebrate and then we feast.
Chorus
Build a Sukkah (J. Black)
You get the boards, I’ll get some gourds
We’ll put some leaves on the roof on top of 2-by-4’s
Chorus:
Build a sukkah, build a sukkah,
We’re gonna build a sukkah, gonna live in it all week long
You get the popcorn, I’ll get the string
When we build our sukkah, yeah, we’ll dance and sing.
Shake your lulav to the ground, shake your lulav in the air
You know you shake it north, you shake it south
You shake it east, you shake it west—God is everywhere
We sleep in our sukkah, see the stars up above
It makes us thankful for all God’s love.
Songs for Simchat Torah
After Sukkot comes Simchat Torah. We read from the very end of the Torah and then from the very beginning—the story of creation.
It’s All Good (R. Sherwin, with Sababa!)
Text: Psalm 136:1 and Genesis 1:31
Chorus:
It’s all good, it’s all good—God made it and it’s all good
We thank you, God, for the gifts you bring / For the food we eat, for the songs we sing
We thank you, God, for the earth and sky / For our family’s love as the days go by
Chorus
We thank you, God, for the night and day / For the gift of Torah that shows us the way
We thank you, God, for our Sabbath rest / For You are One, and we are blessed!
Chorus
Hodu L’adonai, L’adonai ki tov
Vayar Elohim et kol asher asah
V’hinei tov m’od
Give thanks to God, for God is good!
God saw everything that God had created, and it was good.
Once Upon a Time (Avni)
Once upon a time, it was right at the start,
And God said, “I’m gonna make light and dark.”
And God said (clap, clap), “It’s the first day,
And I did very good work today.”
Once upon a time, it was day number two.
The waters were parted, and heaven came through.
And God said (clap, clap), “It’s the second day,
And I did very good work today.”
Once upon a time, it was day number three.
The land appeared, all covered with trees.
And God said (clap, clap), “It’s the third day,
And I did very good work today.”
Once upon a time, it was day number four.
We had the sun and the moon and the stars galore.
And God said (clap, clap), “It’s the fourth day,
And I did very good work today.”
Once upon a time, it was day number five.
We had the fish in the water and the birds in the sky.
And God said (clap, clap), “It’s the fifth day,
And I did very good work today.”
Once upon a time, it was day number six.
The people and the animals were doin’ their tricks.
And God said (clap, clap), “It’s the sixth day,
And I did very good work today.”
Once upon a time, it was day number seven.
And God said, “I finished the earth and the heavens.”
And God said (clap, clap), “It’s the seventh day,
And I’m gonna rest all day today.”
“Yes,” God said (clap, clap), “It’s the seventh day.
And I’m gonna rest all day today.”
Enjoy!
Rosh Hashanah, Sukkot, and Respecting Our World
Prepare for the High Holy Days with family activities, a conversation about caring for our surroundings, and songs for Rosh Hashanah. You’ll also find Sukkot music for building a sukkah and shaking the lulav.
Dear Families,
It was great seeing so many of you at the Shabbat dinner on Friday. This week I look forward to seeing you at Rosh Hashanah services on Friday night and Saturday morning, and at the Tashlich picnic lunch on Sunday. All High Holy Days services will include educational activities for kids. You can register for services and sign up for the Tashlich picnic.
Here are this week’s music and activities for your homes. Feel free to send me feedback or stories about how things are going with your kids. I’d also love to hear about topics you’d like to explore together during the year!
Weekly Music and Activities
Listen to these songs all week long—as lullabies or car music, or as background music for dancing and art activities! Integrate the activities into mealtime, nighttime preparation, or daily play and family time.
Alef-bet Song (Hebrew Alphabet)
David Melech (David, King of Israel)
This song helps children learn some basic vocabulary: kein (yes), lo (no), ima (mother), aba (father), geshem (rain), and shemesh (sun).
David Melech Yisra-eil
דָוִד מֶלֶךְ יְשׂרָאֵל
Chai, chai v’kayam (3×)
חַי חַי וְקַיָם
Ken / Lo (yes / no): כֵּן / לֹא
Ima / Aba (mother / father): אִמָא / אַבָּא
Geshem / Shemesh (rain / sun): גֶּשֶׁם / שֶׁמֶשׁ
More Songs and Activities
High Holy Days Activities for Your Family
Explore crafts, recipes, and conversation starters for the High Holy Days. We may do some of these activities at services, too.
Discuss: Respecting the World and Our Belongings
How does taking care of your classroom or home show respect to the people who share it?
What are small ways to show kavod to nature, including plants, parks, and animals?
Why should we treat borrowed things with care?
Be a Mensch (Cantor Wally Schachet-Briskin)
What should you do when you hurt someone?
What should you do when your playing’s done?
How should you act, do you have a clue?
Just ask yourself what a mensch would do.
Be a mensch, (be a mensch) be a mensch. (be a mensch)
Think of other people, be a mensch.
Be a mensch, (be a mensch) be a mensch. (be a mensch)
Act before you’re asked, be a mensch.
(Spoken: Beep beep! Get out of my way! Oops! I should behave like a mensch! Excuse me. Could you please let me through? Thank you!)
A mensch is kind, a mensch is polite.
A mensch will always try to do things right.
Act like a mensch, show the best that’s in you.
Just ask yourself what a mensch would do. Be a mensch...
(Spoken: Hey, give me that toy! Uh-oh, I know better. What would a mensch do? Excuse me, may I please play with that toy when you’re finished? Thanks a lot!)
So say you’re sorry when you hurt someone.
Put your toys away when your playing’s done.
Use your words saying “please” and “thank you,”
That is what a mensch would do. Be a mensch...
Songs for the Upcoming High Holy Days
Avinu Malkeinu: English Rendition
New this week
Dip Your Apple (The Fountainheads)
Avinu Malkeinu (Traditional)
God is our parent (Avinu) and our ruler (Malkeinu)—different ways we can view or experience God. We want God to be compassionate (choneinu) like a parent and answer us (va’aneinu). Listen for the word tzedakah (justice). Our “deeds are wanting”—we want to do better in our actions.
This is closely related to the task of “returning” during the High Holy Days: we come humbly before God to ask forgiveness.
L’shanah Tovah (High Holy Days Niggun)
May you be written in the Book of Life for a good year. In this song, Bikel adds v’tichateimu: “and may you be sealed” for a good year.
Shofar Blast Song (Ellen Allard)
V’al Kulam (Traditional)
In the Al Cheit, we list missteps that we or our community might make. Then we sing v’al kulam—“for all of these”—and ask God to forgive us, pardon us, and grant us atonement.
Apples and Honey (Julie Silver)
If you’re gonna eat an apple apple apple
Don’t forget to have some honey honey honey
Apples and Honey, it may sound funny
But you can make the New Year sweet and sunny
Eating apples and honey
Don’t forget to ask the Rabbi Rabbi Rabbi
Why we bid the old year good-bye good-bye good-bye
We start a new year, the shofar we hear
Every year it’s in the month of Tishrei
Don’t you know that it’s the first day
Tell your sister and your brother brother brother
Tell your father and your mother mother mother
L’shanah Tovah it’s Rosh Hashanah
We’re spending the New Year with each other
Sister brother father mother
Apples and Honey, it may sound funny
But you can make the New Year sweet and sunny
Eating apples and honey
Songs for Sukkot
Hodu L’Adonai (D. Maseng)
New this week
The recording uses words for Shabbat, but we’ll use the melody for these words from Psalm 118:1–4. We sing them as part of Hallel, a poem of praise, during festivals.
Hodu ladonai ki tov, ki l’olam chasdo.
הֹדוּ לַה׳ כִּי טוֹב, כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ
Yomar-na Yisrael, ki l’olam chasdo.
יֹאמַר-נָא יִשְׁרָאֵל, כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ.
Yomru-na beit Aharon, ki l’olam chasdo.
יֹאמְרוּ-נָא בֵית אַהֲרֹן, כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ.
Yomru-na yirei Adonai, ki l’olam chasdo.
יֹאמְרוּ-נָא יִרְאֵי ה׳, כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ.
Translation:
Give thanks to the Eternal, for God is good; God’s lovingkindness endures forever.
Let Israel say: God’s lovingkindness endures forever.
Let the house of Aaron say: God’s lovingkindness endures forever.
Let those who revere the Eternal say: God’s lovingkindness endures forever.
Lulav Shake (S. Dropkin)
New this week
Sukkot is a harvest holiday
The celebration lasts for seven days
We build our sukkah
Then we decorate
A special booth in which we congregate.
Chorus:
Do the lulav shake (shake, shake, shake) (3×)
Do the lulav shake.
The symbols of Sukkot are quite unique
They show God’s presence the entire week.
The etrog’s smell gets into the air
We wave the lulav everywhere.
Chorus
Hadas and aravah on either side
Surround the lulav that we shake with pride.
To the north, the south, the west and to the east
We celebrate and then we feast.
Chorus
Build a Sukkah (J. Black)
You get the boards, I’ll get some gourds
We’ll put some leaves on the roof on top of 2-by-4’s
Chorus:
Build a sukkah, build a sukkah,
We’re gonna build a sukkah, gonna live in it all week long
You get the popcorn, I’ll get the string
When we build our sukkah, yeah, we’ll dance and sing.
Shake your lulav to the ground, shake your lulav in the air
You know you shake it north, you shake it south
You shake it east, you shake it west—God is everywhere
We sleep in our sukkah, see the stars up above
It makes us thankful for all God’s love.
Another Resource for Your Family
PJ Library Books and Music
PJ Library is a wonderful organization with quality books on a variety of Jewish topics and holidays. Explore PJ Library’s books and music.
Enjoy!
Respecting Differences and Songs for the Holidays
Explore ways to bring Jewish morning rituals into family life and talk with children about respecting differences. This week’s music includes familiar songs, High Holy Days favorites, and a first song for Sukkot.
Dear Families,
I hope we’ll see many of you at the Shabbat dinner this Friday night at 6 PM at Grand Living at the Grove. Participating in community events—including dinners and holidays—is part of our education program. You can also register for the High Holy Days, which are fast approaching!
Here are the music and activities for your homes this week. Feel free to send me feedback or stories about how things are going with your kids. I’d also love to hear about topics you’d like to explore with them during the year.
Some songs will repeat from week to week so families have more opportunities to learn them. The activities and discussion questions will be new each week.
Weekly Music and Activities
Listen to these songs all week long—as lullabies or car music, or as background music for dancing and art activities! Integrate the activities into mealtime, nighttime preparation, or daily play and family time.
Slichah, Todah, B’vakashah (C. Paley)
Excuse Me, Thank You, Please/You’re Welcome
Slichah, Todah, B’vakashah, with them you’re always right
Slichah, Todah, B’vakashah, it’s good to be polite
My father gets me a new toy, I say todah to show my joy
I give a chair to my Grampa and I say b’vakashah
Slichah, Todah, B’vakashah, shalosh milim yafot (three nice words)
Slichah, Todah, B’vakashah, shalosh milim kalot (three easy words)
Aba notein li matanah (Dad gets me a gift)
Ani omeir todah, todah (I say thank you)
Ani magish kisei lasav (I offer a chair to my grandfather)
V’omeir b’vakashah (and say please/you’re welcome)
Slichah (סְלִיחָה): Sorry or excuse me
Todah (תּוֹדָה): Thank you
B’vakashah (בְּבַקָּשָׁה): Please or you’re welcome
Alef-bet Song (Hebrew Alphabet)
David Melech (David, King of Israel)
This song helps children learn some basic vocabulary: kein (yes), lo (no), ima (mother), aba (father), geshem (rain), and shemesh (sun).
David Melech Yisra-eil
דָוִד מֶלֶךְ יְשׂרָאֵל
Chai, chai v’kayam (3×)
חַי חַי וְקַיָם
Ken / Lo (yes / no): כֵּן / לֹא
Ima / Aba (mother / father): אִמָא / אַבָּא
Geshem / Shemesh (rain / sun): גֶּשֶׁם / שֶׁמֶשׁ
More Songs and Activities
Morning Rituals for Your Jewish Family
Read about morning rituals with young children
Discuss: Respecting Differences
Everyone is made differently. How can we show respect for how other people look, speak, or live?
Why is it a good thing that not everyone likes the exact same things?
How can you include a classmate who feels left out?
Be a Mensch (Cantor Wally Schachet-Briskin)
What should you do when you hurt someone?
What should you do when your playing’s done?
How should you act, do you have a clue?
Just ask yourself what a mensch would do.
Be a mensch, (be a mensch) be a mensch. (be a mensch)
Think of other people, be a mensch.
Be a mensch, (be a mensch) be a mensch. (be a mensch)
Act before you’re asked, be a mensch.
(Spoken: Beep beep! Get out of my way! Oops! I should behave like a mensch! Excuse me. Could you please let me through? Thank you!)
A mensch is kind, a mensch is polite.
A mensch will always try to do things right.
Act like a mensch, show the best that’s in you.
Just ask yourself what a mensch would do. Be a mensch...
(Spoken: Hey, give me that toy! Uh-oh, I know better. What would a mensch do? Excuse me, may I please play with that toy when you’re finished? Thanks a lot!)
So say you’re sorry when you hurt someone.
Put your toys away when your playing’s done.
Use your words saying “please” and “thank you,”
That is what a mensch would do. Be a mensch...
Songs for the Upcoming High Holy Days
Dip Your Apple (The Fountainheads)
New this week
Avinu Malkeinu (Traditional)
God is our parent (Avinu) and our ruler (Malkeinu)—different ways we can view or experience God. We want God to be compassionate (choneinu) like a parent and answer us (va’aneinu). Listen for the word tzedakah (justice). Our “deeds are wanting”—we want to do better in our actions.
This is closely related to the task of “returning” during the High Holy Days: we come humbly before God to ask forgiveness.
L’shanah Tovah (High Holy Days Niggun)
May you be written in the Book of Life for a good year. In this song, Bikel adds v’tichateimu: “and may you be sealed” for a good year.
Shofar Blast Song (Ellen Allard)
V’al Kulam (Traditional)
In the Al Cheit, we list missteps that we or our community might make. Then we sing v’al kulam—“for all of these”—and ask God to forgive us, pardon us, and grant us atonement.
Apples and Honey (Julie Silver)
If you’re gonna eat an apple apple apple
Don’t forget to have some honey honey honey
Apples and Honey, it may sound funny
But you can make the New Year sweet and sunny
Eating apples and honey
Don’t forget to ask the Rabbi Rabbi Rabbi
Why we bid the old year good-bye good-bye good-bye
We start a new year, the shofar we hear
Every year it’s in the month of Tishrei
Don’t you know that it’s the first day
Tell your sister and your brother brother brother
Tell your father and your mother mother mother
L’shanah Tovah it’s Rosh Hashanah
We’re spending the New Year with each other
Sister brother father mother
Apples and Honey, it may sound funny
But you can make the New Year sweet and sunny
Eating apples and honey
A Song for Sukkot
Build a Sukkah (J. Black)
New this week
You get the boards, I’ll get some gourds
We’ll put some leaves on the roof on top of 2-by-4’s
Chorus:
Build a sukkah, build a sukkah,
We’re gonna build a sukkah, gonna live in it all week long
You get the popcorn, I’ll get the string
When we build our sukkah, yeah, we’ll dance and sing.
Shake your lulav to the ground, shake your lulav in the air
You know you shake it north, you shake it south
You shake it east, you shake it west—God is everywhere
We sleep in our sukkah, see the stars up above
It makes us thankful for all God’s love.
Enjoy!
Kavod and High Holy Days Songs
This week’s songs and questions explore kavod—showing respect—and what it means to be a mensch. Families can review songs from our first gathering and begin learning music for the High Holy Days.
Listen to these songs all week long—as lullabies or car music, or as background music for dancing and art activities! Integrate the activities into mealtime, nighttime preparation, or daily play and family time.
Songs for Review
Slichah, Todah, B’vakashah (C. Paley)
Excuse Me, Thank You, Please/You’re Welcome
Slichah, Todah, B’vakashah, with them you’re always right
Slichah, Todah, B’vakashah, it’s good to be polite
My father gets me a new toy, I say todah to show my joy
I give a chair to my Grampa and I say b’vakashah
Slichah, Todah, B’vakashah, shalosh milim yafot (three nice words)
Slichah, Todah, B’vakashah, shalosh milim kalot (three easy words)
Aba notein li matanah (Dad gets me a gift)
Ani omeir todah, todah (I say thank you)
Ani magish kisei lasav (I offer a chair to my grandfather)
V’omeir b’vakashah (and say please/you’re welcome)
Slichah (סְלִיחָה): Sorry or excuse me
Todah (תּוֹדָה): Thank you
B’vakashah (בְּבַקָּשָׁה): Please or you’re welcome
Alef-bet Song (Hebrew Alphabet)
David Melech (David, King of Israel)
This song helps children learn some basic vocabulary: kein (yes), lo (no), ima (mother), aba (father), geshem (rain), and shemesh (sun).
David Melech Yisra-eil
דָוִד מֶלֶךְ יְשׂרָאֵל
Chai, chai v’kayam (3×)
חַי חַי וְקַיָם
Ken / Lo (yes / no): כֵּן / לֹא
Ima / Aba (mother / father): אִמָא / אַבָּא
Geshem / Shemesh (rain / sun): גֶּשֶׁם / שֶׁמֶשׁ
More Songs and Activities
Watch: Shaboom, “All the Respect”
This video may especially appeal to younger children.
Discuss: Respecting People
What does it look and sound like when you show respect to a grown-up or a friend?
How can you show kavod to someone who has a different opinion than you do?
Is it easy or hard to be nice to someone who is mean to you? Why?
How do you feel inside when someone shows respect to you?
Be a Mensch (Cantor Wally Schachet-Briskin)
What should you do when you hurt someone?
What should you do when your playing’s done?
How should you act, do you have a clue?
Just ask yourself what a mensch would do.
Be a mensch, (be a mensch) be a mensch. (be a mensch)
Think of other people, be a mensch.
Be a mensch, (be a mensch) be a mensch. (be a mensch)
Act before you’re asked, be a mensch.
(Spoken: Beep beep! Get out of my way! Oops! I should behave like a mensch! Excuse me. Could you please let me through? Thank you!)
A mensch is kind, a mensch is polite.
A mensch will always try to do things right.
Act like a mensch, show the best that’s in you.
Just ask yourself what a mensch would do. Be a mensch...
(Spoken: Hey, give me that toy! Uh-oh, I know better. What would a mensch do? Excuse me, may I please play with that toy when you’re finished? Thanks a lot!)
So say you’re sorry when you hurt someone.
Put your toys away when your playing’s done.
Use your words saying “please” and “thank you,”
That is what a mensch would do. Be a mensch...
Songs for the Upcoming High Holy Days
Avinu Malkeinu (Traditional)
God is our parent (Avinu) and our ruler (Malkeinu)—different ways we can view or experience God. We want God to be compassionate (choneinu) like a parent and answer us (va’aneinu). Listen for the word tzedakah (justice). Our “deeds are wanting”—we want to do better in our actions.
This is closely related to the task of “returning” during the High Holy Days: we come humbly before God to ask forgiveness.
L’shanah Tovah (High Holy Days Niggun)
May you be written in the Book of Life for a good year. In this song, Bikel adds v’tichateimu: “and may you be sealed” for a good year.
Shofar Blast Song (Ellen Allard)
V’al Kulam (Traditional)
In the Al Cheit, we list missteps that we or our community might make. Then we sing v’al kulam—“for all of these”—and ask God to forgive us, pardon us, and grant us atonement.
Apples and Honey (Julie Silver)
If you’re gonna eat an apple apple apple
Don’t forget to have some honey honey honey
Apples and Honey, it may sound funny
But you can make the New Year sweet and sunny
Eating apples and honey
Don’t forget to ask the Rabbi Rabbi Rabbi
Why we bid the old year good-bye good-bye good-bye
We start a new year, the shofar we hear
Every year it’s in the month of Tishrei
Don’t you know that it’s the first day
Tell your sister and your brother brother brother
Tell your father and your mother mother mother
L’shanah Tovah it’s Rosh Hashanah
We’re spending the New Year with each other
Sister brother father mother
Apples and Honey, it may sound funny
But you can make the New Year sweet and sunny
Eating apples and honey
Songs for Our First Gathering and the High Holy Days
Get ready for our first Family Education gathering with songs for saying good morning, greeting friends, and learning Hebrew words. Families can also start listening to music for the upcoming High Holy Days.
Listen to these songs all week long—as lullabies or car music, or as background music for dancing and art activities! The songs will introduce your family to music we’ll sing at our August 23 Family Education gathering, music for the High Holy Days, and concepts we’ll explore throughout the year.
Songs for the August 23 Family Education Gathering
Boker Tov (Good Morning) Song
Boker Tov Means Good Morning (C. Paley)
Boker tov, boker tov means good morning.
Rise and shine, boker tov, boker tov.
Boker tov, boker tov means good morning.
Rise and shine, boker tov, boker tov.
Boker tov, boker tov to (name). (2×)
Boker means “morning,” and tov means “good.”
Shalom Chaverim (Hello/Goodbye/Peace, Friends)
Shalom chaveirim, shalom chaveirim, shalom, shalom
L’hitra-ot, l’hitra-ot, shalom, shalom
שָׁלוֹם חֲבֵרִים, שָׁלוֹם חֲבֵרִים
שָׁלוֹם, שָׁלוֹם
לְהִתְרָאוֹת, לְהִתְרָאוֹת
שָׁלוֹם, שָׁלוֹם
Slichah, Todah, B’vakashah (C. Paley)
Excuse Me, Thank You, Please/You’re Welcome
Slichah, Todah, B’vakashah, with them you’re always right
Slichah, Todah, B’vakashah, it’s good to be polite
My father gets me a new toy, I say todah to show my joy
I give a chair to my Grampa and I say b’vakashah
Slichah, Todah, B’vakashah, shalosh milim yafot (three nice words)
Slichah, Todah, B’vakashah, shalosh milim kalot (three easy words)
Aba notein li matanah (Dad gets me a gift)
Ani omeir todah, todah (I say thank you)
Ani magish kisei lasav (I offer a chair to my grandfather)
V’omeir b’vakashah (and say please/you’re welcome)
Slichah (סְלִיחָה): Sorry or excuse me
Todah (תּוֹדָה): Thank you
B’vakashah (בְּבַקָּשָׁה): Please or you’re welcome
Alef-bet Song (Hebrew Alphabet)
David Melech (David, King of Israel)
This song helps children learn some basic vocabulary: kein (yes), lo (no), ima (mother), aba (father), geshem (rain), and shemesh (sun).
David Melech Yisra-eil
דָוִד מֶלֶךְ יְשׂרָאֵל
Chai, chai v’kayam (3×)
חַי חַי וְקַיָם
Ken / Lo (yes / no): כֵּן / לֹא
Ima / Aba (mother / father): אִמָא / אַבָּא
Geshem / Shemesh (rain / sun): גֶּשֶׁם / שֶׁמֶשׁ
Songs for the Upcoming High Holy Days
Avinu Malkeinu (Traditional)
God is our parent (Avinu) and our ruler (Malkeinu)—different ways we can view or experience God. We want God to be compassionate (choneinu) like a parent and answer us (va’aneinu). Listen for the word tzedakah (justice). Our “deeds are wanting”—we want to do better in our actions.
This is closely related to the task of “returning” during the High Holy Days: we come humbly before God to ask forgiveness.
L’shanah Tovah (High Holy Days Niggun)
May you be written in the Book of Life for a good year. In this song, Bikel adds v’tichateimu: “and may you be sealed” for a good year.