Collection
A set of source sheets examining aspects of the Jewish holidays.
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Weasels of the TalmudStarting with weasels, mice, and chametz, this sheet looks at 3 weasel stories in depth and brings the other mentions of weasels in the Talmud in an appendix.
The Akeida: A 3-Act Story (and the Quran)Discussion questions at key points in the story
The Story of MatzahTraces matzah through the sources to the Haggadah, plus historical information on Egyptian bread making and Biblical sour dough, with videos of matzah read-alouds and matzah parody songs
David Schwartz•311 Views•April 16, 2024•Ha Lachma,Maggid,Matzoh,Magid,Pesach,Sacrifices,Holidays,Afikomen,Laws of Leavened Foods,Tzafun,Gluten-Free,Rabban Gamliel,Matzo,Sodom,Hillel Sandwich,Laws of Matzah,Chaggim,Lot,Ha Lachma Anya,Hagadah,Korech,Haggadah,Chametz,Matzah,Passover,Seder,Leaven,Koreich,Yachatz,Laws of Betrothal,Leavened Grain Products,Laws of the Passover Night Seder
Five Stories About Revelation4 midrashim about Revelation, with context and discussion questions
Purim and the Journey to Oblivion: Is Inebriation Really a Mitzvah?Examining the limits on drinking on Purim
David Schwartz•2084 Views•January 19, 2021•Drunk,Drinking,Alcohol,Alcoholism,Mordechai,Laws of Purim,Haman,Purim
The History of Simchat TorahA history of the evolution of Simchat Torah, with context of each source, plus a look at Simchat Torah flags.
Apples and Honey in the BibleAn examination of every instance of apples or honey in the Bible plus how the custom developed (and music!)
David Schwartz•1078 Views•August 22, 2023•Adam and Eve,Apples and Honey,Honey,Apples,Eliana Light,Rosh Hashanah
The Ultra-Chocolaty HaggadahA haggadah for a chocolate seder, with chocolate in every step.
Zeresh: A 2-Act StoryThinking about Zeresh’s perspective through discussion question
David Schwartz•152 Views•March 3, 2025•Megilat Esther,Zeresh,Purim,Megilla,Mordekhai,Mordechai,Haman
Esther: An 8-Act StoryLooking at the Purim story from Esther's perspective, along with some videos.
The Story of the 4 Questions, Cups, and ChildrenThe evolution of the Four Questions, Cups, and Children
The Origin of Chanukah CustomsAn explanation of the customs of Dreidels, gelt, presents, the story, latkes, sufganiyot, candles, and “Maoz Tzur”.
Chanukah: The Complicated VersionAn examination of the twists and turns of the Maccabee story from Mattathias through Simon.
Chanukah: The PrequelA history of the events leading up to Chanukah
Hashiveinu: From Tisha B’Av to Torah ServiceA basic overview of Tisha B'Av, with a focus on the Hashiveinu line at the end of Eicha. It also includes musical examples of Hashiveinu and Etz Chayim.
Why is Shavuot Called “Z’man Matan Torateinu”?The source for “Z’man Matan Torateinu”
Why is Sukkot Called “Time of Our Joy”?This sheet looks at reasons why Sukkot is called “Z’man Simchateinu”, “Time of Our Joy”.
David Schwartz•6079 Views•September 17, 2020•Water Libations,Joy,Sukkot,Happiness,Z’man Simchateinu,Water
What’s Up With the Minor Fast Days?Explaining the Minor Fast Days, with context for each source
David Schwartz•2680 Views•June 14, 2021•Humor,Fast of Esther,Taanit,Destruction of the First Temple,Destruction of Jerusalem,Destruction of the Temple,The Three Weeks,Tzom Gedaliah,Fast,Jewish Jokes,Fast Day,Fasting,Three Weeks,Jewish Humor,Purim,Minor Fast Days,Tisha B'Av,10th of Tevet,Taanit Esther,Leather,17th of Tamuz,Zechariah,Esther,Jerusalem
Ice Cream for Breakfast: Dairy & ShavuotExplanations for why we eat dairy on Shavuot, based on "Milk and Honey are Under Thy Tongue", but with texts in context and expanded.
What’s the Date of Shavuot?This sheet looks at how Shavuot’s date was determined and how it got connected to the giving of the Torah
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David Schwartz
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