Simchat Torah for Kids
Why do I have to go to school? Has every parent heard this from their child at some point in their lives?
Kids return to school in August and September. And, after an exciting, relaxing summer, it can sometimes be hard for kids to move from their care-free environment to the restrictions of the classroom.
As with many challenges our kids have, this one can benefit from a shift in their thinking and improve the social development in children.
What is the alternative?
My father spent his childhood on a farm in West Virginia while his father worked in the coal mines. Along with his eight siblings, he grew and raised their food. By the time he was 5, he knew how to kill a chicken by wringing its neck and his job was to de-feathered chickens out of the boiling water. And, he wanted to get off of the farm and go to school.
Why? Because school was his way out. The question today’s kids are asking is not really about school. It is about control. Control over their lives.
In the big picture, what do I want for my kids? I want them to have choices in life. I want them to have opportunities and the bravery to pursue them. I want them to learn how to fail - because ‘failure’ is really just another word for growth and helps with my children’s emotional development.
Growing up is about learning. Learning to communicate. Learning to work with others. Learning what I do and do not want in my life.
Basically, feeling in control.
And, this control over one’s own life is the basis for freedom.
Sometimes, keeping it simple is the best solution. Take one of the values you wish to teach, for example, courtesy and respect, and make that the focus of the school day. Ask your child questions such as: Can you find ways other students are courteous today? Did you see any disrespect? What does disrespect look like to you? For older children, courtesy and respect of authority quickly moves to respect for others’ opinions. Respect for others’ property. And,
respect for others is the basis of respect for self. By doing this exercise, you can assist with their development in social situations for the future and what obstacles they will have to face.
How do I as a parent show respect and courtesy to my child? By empathizing with how they feel. By not trying to force them to change their minds. Basically, by treating your children the way you want to be treated – with your thoughts and comments heard, understood and seen. (Notice I did not say agree with.) And, I want them to know that learning never ends.
Jewish communities provide a marvelous example of this love of learning by explaining to kids the Simchat Torah. The beginning of the school year coincides with the holiday of Simchat Torah - literally translated to “Rejoicing in the Torah”.
Every year, there is a breakdown of the Simchat Torah for kids and is read within the community from start to end. The book provides the foundation for the spiritual laws of the Jewish community and as with every great piece of literature, the depth of wisdom can be explored throughout one’s life. And, by sharing these important life guidelines as a community, the importance of community expands.
The Golden Thread of Truth explores the beauty of the Abraham books, the first 5 books of the Old Testament, that are an important part of the Jewish, Christian and Muslim religions. If you are looking for an easy way to teach the Simchat Torah to kids, visit our interfaith education section.
Kids return to school in August and September. And, after an exciting, relaxing summer, it can sometimes be hard for kids to move from their care-free environment to the restrictions of the classroom.
As with many challenges our kids have, this one can benefit from a shift in their thinking and improve the social development in children.
What is the alternative?
My father spent his childhood on a farm in West Virginia while his father worked in the coal mines. Along with his eight siblings, he grew and raised their food. By the time he was 5, he knew how to kill a chicken by wringing its neck and his job was to de-feathered chickens out of the boiling water. And, he wanted to get off of the farm and go to school.
Why? Because school was his way out. The question today’s kids are asking is not really about school. It is about control. Control over their lives.
In the big picture, what do I want for my kids? I want them to have choices in life. I want them to have opportunities and the bravery to pursue them. I want them to learn how to fail - because ‘failure’ is really just another word for growth and helps with my children’s emotional development.
Growing up is about learning. Learning to communicate. Learning to work with others. Learning what I do and do not want in my life.
Basically, feeling in control.
And, this control over one’s own life is the basis for freedom.
Sometimes, keeping it simple is the best solution. Take one of the values you wish to teach, for example, courtesy and respect, and make that the focus of the school day. Ask your child questions such as: Can you find ways other students are courteous today? Did you see any disrespect? What does disrespect look like to you? For older children, courtesy and respect of authority quickly moves to respect for others’ opinions. Respect for others’ property. And,
respect for others is the basis of respect for self. By doing this exercise, you can assist with their development in social situations for the future and what obstacles they will have to face.
How do I as a parent show respect and courtesy to my child? By empathizing with how they feel. By not trying to force them to change their minds. Basically, by treating your children the way you want to be treated – with your thoughts and comments heard, understood and seen. (Notice I did not say agree with.) And, I want them to know that learning never ends.
Jewish communities provide a marvelous example of this love of learning by explaining to kids the Simchat Torah. The beginning of the school year coincides with the holiday of Simchat Torah - literally translated to “Rejoicing in the Torah”.
Every year, there is a breakdown of the Simchat Torah for kids and is read within the community from start to end. The book provides the foundation for the spiritual laws of the Jewish community and as with every great piece of literature, the depth of wisdom can be explored throughout one’s life. And, by sharing these important life guidelines as a community, the importance of community expands.
The Golden Thread of Truth explores the beauty of the Abraham books, the first 5 books of the Old Testament, that are an important part of the Jewish, Christian and Muslim religions. If you are looking for an easy way to teach the Simchat Torah to kids, visit our interfaith education section.