The best way to ensure your children succeed at Religious School is to ask them questions about what they learned. It gives them a chance to show off their knowledge and gives you the opportunity to kvell!
Today's lessons focused on Rosh Hahanah and Yom Kippur. These are some Hebrew vocabulary words and themes they may have learned, so be sure and ask them about them!
Rosh Hashanah vocabulary words:
- Elul - The sixth month of the Jewish year (August/September) when we prepare for the High Holy Days
- Shana Tova Tikatevu - "May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year"
- Selichot - Forgiveness
- Tashlich - Cast/Throw
Rosh Hashanah central themes:
- White is worn to reflect an optimism that God will accept our prayers
- It is a time to pray for life and peace, not only for loved ones but for all people everywhere
- It is a time to reflect upon our own actions during the past year and to make amends for our failures
Yom Kippur vocabulary words:
- Ashhamnu - "We have sinned"
- Kittel - A white robe worn traditionally during the High Holy Days as a symbol of purity
- Kol Nidre - "All vows"
- Neilah - Closin
- Yizkor - "May God remember"
Yom Kippur central themes:
- No matter how good and pious a person may be, there is still need for improving one's character
- For sins against God, the day atones; for sins against others, one must seek them out and ask their forgiveness
- On this day, we are invited to see ourselves as we really are; serious self-examinations are required
