On the eve of the tenth day of Tishrei, Yom Kippur begins. Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the solemnest and most holy Jewish holiday and is a special time of fasting and prayer. The holiday is rich with meaning and tradition and is a perfect opportunity for children to learn about Jewish customs. One of the best ways to teach the lessons of Yom Kippur to children is through crafts inspired by the holiday.
Yom Kippur Machzor
On Yom Kippur, Jews pray to G-d for repentance for their sin’s against G-d and also seek forgiveness for any wrongs done against another person. From the Kol Nidre to the Neilah, most of the holiday is spent in prayer. And, a machzor prayer book is used for the High Holy Day synagogue service. As a special project, children can create their own machzor.
In making their personal machzor, children will need paper markers, pencils, and a variety of other items. Depending on your child’s interests or art level, you can make the project simple or elaborate. The first step is to craft a book using white paper and construction paper. Binding can be either staples or yarn braids. Once the book is made, your child can decorate the cover with the words “Yom Kippur Machzor.” Markers and glitters will add a nice touch.
Within the pages of their new prayer book, your child can create pictures of good deeds, Yom Kippur symbols, and things they remember about the Yom Kippur prayers.
The Shofar
Sound the shofar! The shofar is a unique musical instrument which has a significant place in Jewish ceremonies and history. The shofar also serves as a symbol of the Jewish people and their covenant with G-d. And at the end of Yom Kippur, the sound of the shofar marks the end of the holiday’s fast. For young children, making a shofar can be fun and easy.
While most craft and discount stores won’t have a ram’s horn handy, there are many other ways to make your crafty wind instrument. For younger children, opt for the paper tube method. For older children, you may want to try the paper mache method. For the small children, simply shape your tube into a cone. Secure the cone with tape or glue and then decorate. For more advanced children, take a wavy balloon and cover with paper mache. Once the paper mache dries, pop the balloon with a pin and remove it from the center of the paper mache. Add a cone shaped mouth piece and your child will have a very cleverly fashioned shofar to show and share.
Tzedakah Box
Tzedakah is the Hebrew word for charity and it is a fundamental philosophy of Jewish life and service. During Yom Kippur, tzedakah is even more special. Before the High Holy Day, it is custom for Jewish people to give charity before. Many Jewish homes have tzedakah boxes, and a wonderful way of teaching children the joy of giving is by having them create their own tzedakah boxes.
Tzedakah boxes come in all shapes and sizes. Some simply look like traditional piggy banks and others ornate boxes. For your child’s crafted box, they can use a shoe box, coffee can, cardboard sugar dispenser, or other containers with a lid. Have your child decorate the exterior of the container with Yom Kippur or other traditional Jewish symbols, such as the shofar, letters, or Star of David. Stickers, paper and paints are all good choices. Once their box is decorated, make sure that a hole or slit is cut in the lid. In the case of the sugar dispenser, you can simply expose the opening. With their box complete, give your child, depending on their age, real or toy coins to fill their box.
Stars of David
The symbol of the children of Israel is the Star of David. Your little one can make this important symbol easily with just a few items- six craft sticks, glue (white or clear), paint, and glitter.
With the paint, color the six craft sticks. Once they are dry, decorate them with your glitter. Let you child put their own style on the sticks. Once the glitter is dry, glue the sticks into two large triangles. Once the triangles are dry, overlap them and glue in place. This cute craft can be a great wall or door decoration. Add a ribbon or string and hang.
Other Crafts
Since charity and prayer are key parts of the Yom Kippur holiday, those crafts geared toward giving and good deeds can be fun and fulfilling to your children. Crafts that include making mitzvoh scales, Shana Tova signs or panes, and even Slippers would be fun activities that bring home the lessons and significance of Yom Kippur.
Other Considerations
In teaching your child about traditions, you must remember to be true to custom. While crafts are great tools for teaching and learning about Jewish customs, for Yom Kippur, you must remember that creative work is not permitted. So, all crafts should be completed before the High Holy Day.
Yom Kippur is almost here! With these and other craft ideas, you and your child can share the wonderful experience of the holiday and your child grow in their knowledge about the wonderful traditions of the Day of Atonement.
For more crafts and instructions, visit the following websites:
http://www.chabad.org/kids/art icle_cdo/aid/361502/jewish/Sli ppers.htm
http://www.chabad.org/kids/art icle_cdo/aid/361496/jewish/Sha na-Tova.htm
http://www.brighthub.com/educa tion/early-childhood/articles/ 46258.aspx
http://www.evjcc.org/resources /parenting/crafts/yomkippur.ht ml
