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Activities for the Holidays and Everyday

Time spent together is time well spent. There are so many special and meaningful ways to incorporate Jewish values and traditions at home.  We have gathered a few here, but we always want to hear from you about your favorites!  If you have a special book, activity or recipe and want to share, we would be glad to add it to our list.   Please email Andrea Otto at aotto@bethsholomcongregation.org.

Read Together

  • The Little Red Hen and the Passover Matzah by Leslie Kimmelman
  • Sammy Spider’s First Passover by Sylvia A. Rouss
  • Katz and Tush by Patricia Polacco (warning: will cause tears)
  • Joseph Had a Little Overcoat by Simms Taback
  • The Carp in the Bathtub by Barbara Cohen
  • Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins by Eric Kimmel

Get Cooking

  • Make some Challah. Nothing quite replicates the joy of punching the dough after it doubles!  It is also a great way to teach little ones how to braid.
  • Charoset is Kid Friendly. Dump the walnuts into a sandwich bag and seal tight. Kids of all ages can smash them to smithereens.
  • Making these Purim treats is an intergenerational activity. Everyone can participate together, and each family can choose their favorite filling. It is tasty and fun!

Crafty Time

  • Create a homemade spice box for Havdalah
  • A rainbow of food to celebrate Parsha Noah is something to make and then eat.
  • Yom Kipper Sniffer. Stabbing an orange with cloves creates a sweet way to calm adults grumbling stomachs.

Out in Nature

  • Shavout is the perfect time for a camping trip. Re-enact the Israelites camping at the foot of Sinai with your own campout.
  • Take a trip to the orchard. Celebrate Rosh Hashanah with handpicked apples this year.
  • Celebrate Tu B’Shevat by planting a seed.
  • Practice Tikkun Olam. Help pick up trash in a local park or beach.

Resources

The PJ Library has a collection of activities which are categories by type and age and are a great resource for any parent, grandparent or anyone who wants a bit of fun at home! https://pjlibrary.org/familyactivities