Torah Sprouts get hands-on with challah

EAST GREENWICH – Young children in Temple Torat Yisrael’s Torah Sprouts program had a fabulous and interactive time on Nov. 1, exploring the magic and special traditions of Shabbat.  The once-a-month Sprouts program, for families with children ages 3 to 5, provides peer social interaction, hands-on Jewish learning and community building.

Facilitated by the musical and energetic Rabbi Aaron Philmus, the children listened to the story of creation and sang Shabbat songs. Together, they lit the candles and said the blessing.

Philmus helped the parents bless their children, while imagining their own parents’ hands on their heads, back generation after generation … all the way to Avraham and Sarah. Then, they recited the kiddush over the wine.

The young children had a messy, and wonderful, time rolling out homemade challah dough and braiding their fluffy, floury masterpieces. After it was baked, they declared the sweet, golden challah delicious!

Using special white fabric squares, colorful paints and glitter, the families and children also created beautiful challah covers to use in their homes to honor and celebrate Shabbat.

The one-hour Torah Sprouts program at Temple Torat Yisrael meets the first Sunday of the month and is open to the community. Each session focuses on a different holiday or Jewish theme through music, dancing, cooking, interactive storytelling and hands-on exploration.  For registration information, visit school@toratyisrael.org.

DORI ADLER is education director at Temple Torat Yisrael.