Sukkot
On Sukkot, we celebrate water through the Simchat Beit Hashoeva (Celebration of the Water Drawing Ceremony) and we continue recognizing the value of water through tefilat geshem, the beginning of our prayers for rain. Our rabbis and ancestors understood that water is essential for life. Each year, Canfei Nesharim encourages communities to focus on appreciating water on Sukkot and Shemini Atzeret.
We invite you to take the opportunity of Sukkot and Shemini Atzeret to learn Torah, organize programs and lessons, and take actions to focus on the precious importance of water.
Torah Study Materials
|
Lesson Plans and Activities
|
True Joy Through Water
An examination of the importance of water in our rituals, both historical and current, and our tefillot (prayers)
Water: Appreciating a Limited Resource
Water and rain are deeply tied to the holidays of Sukkot and Shemini Atzeret. Sukkot is thus an important time to appreciate and protect our water resources.
Water: A Sukkos Drash
The Mishna tells us that on Sukkos the world is judged for water. On the last day of Sukkos, Hoshana Rabbah, the Midrash tells us there is a final sealing of the judgement for us. What is the connection between the two?
Rain as a Blessing in Our Prayers and Actions (PDF)
A Shiur on Tefilas Geshem
A Shiur on the Simchas Beis Hashoeva
|
For children and schools
Mayim B’Sason: Sukkot & the Gift of Water
In this activity, children learn about the special significance of water on Sukkot and how they can protect it.
How Many Logim? Torah, Math and the Environment
For children 7 and up. A conversion game between logim (ancient volume measure) and quarts. How many logim will it take to fill your bathroom or washing machine?
L'Mayim!
For children under 12 years. What do we appreciate about water? What can we offer thanks for? Have the kids offer a big "l'mayim" on their water cups!
Create Artful Sukkah Decorations
Use recycled materials to create creative Sukkah decorations.
Make your Own Water Conservation Signs!
Kids can encourage water savings in their homes. |
|
|
|
Source Sheets for Group and Individual Study
True Joy Through Water: Study and Discussion Guide Printable pdf with Hebrew sources, English translations, and discussion questions. Great for chevruta study and shiurim!
Rain as a Blessing Source Sheet
Colorful, printable PDF associated with Rain as a Blessing Shiur for Shemini Atzeret.
Colorful, printable PDF associated with Mayim Chaim Shiur about the Simchat Beit Hashoeva.
|
For adults and communities
Text Study on Netilat Yadayim
Use two articles in our Compendium of Sources in Halacha and the Environment to organize a discussion about the best way to save water in your community.
True Joy for your Simchas Beis Hashoeva
Organize a party for your community! Learn about Simchas Beis Hashoeva, water facts, and actions we can do to protect and conserve water.
Water Tasting
People think that bottled water tastes better. Does it really? Test it out for yourself with this fun water-tasting activity. Also includes resources for explaining some of the environmental and health problems with bottled water.
|
|
|
Fact Sheets and Materials for Order
The Value of Water Fact Sheet
On the front side, you'll find a teaching about the Jewish people’s relationship with water. On the back is a fact sheet with information about water and suggested actions to protect it.
Shemini Atzeret Drash/Bottled Water Fact Sheet
On the front side is a teaching about Shemini Atzeret and tefilat geshem (prayers for rain). On the back is a fact sheet with information about bottled water that may surprise you.
|
Science and Environmental Actions
Where Does Your Water Come from?
Materials from the Environmental Protection Agency
How Can You Protect Your Water?
Materials from the Environmental Protection Agency
Eco-Tips: How YOU can Save Water
Water is precious! And there are many things we can do to protect this valuable resource. On this page you'll find suggestions to help you conserve and protect water
Water Do's and Don'ts Around the House
Reprinted from the Environmental Protection Agency
|
|
|