Third Graders Share Diversity of Jewish Life with Family Shabbat Presentations

Each Friday, a third grade student gets the opportunity to share with the class his or her family’s Shabbat traditions. “Judaism has many different layers and many ways to celebrate Jewish life,” explains teacher Sharona Israeli-Roth. “Every family has different ways of celebrating and this presentation allows students to celebrate and share their Jewish identities, traditions, melodies, foods, rituals, and artifacts.” Students are asked to bring in a children’s book to read, a book that conveys a value that that student believes in. After reading the book to the class, the student-leader initiates a discussion about what the messages and values of the story are. During many of these presentations, parents and grandparents join their third grader, while other third graders present independently. “Every week is a totally different presentation. And they share incredible stories that have been passed from generation to generation in their families,” adds Ms. Roth. “Through the years, I have found this way of celebrating Shabbat to be one of the best ways to empower students to be proud of their Jewish heritage and their families. My hope is that our students will be able to go to any Shabbat or Jewish life celebration and understand, appreciate, and feel comfortable.” MORE PHOTOS