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Sunday’s are Cool (with our Sunday School!)

Got a little bit of extra time? ChallahCrumbs is taking your family to Sunday school. This week we’re talking about Showing Appreciation (Hakarat Hatov).Showing appreciation is an important Jewish value. We’re looking at saying thank you today.

Learn

Set up a mini-study session with our three sources and the guided questions.

I am grateful to You, living, enduring Ruler, for restoring my soul to me in compassion. You are faithful beyond measure. (Modeh Ani, a morning prayer)

When is this tefillah (prayer) traditionally said?

Why do you think it is important to say this prayer daily?

Is there anyone else you say thank you to daily?

And she (Leah) … bore a son, and she said, “This time, I will thank the Lord! Therefore, she named him Judah. (Genesis 29:35)

How does Leah say thank you?

What are other ways to say thank you?

Why were the water and dust hit by Aaron (to begin the plagues of blood and frogs?)…Rabbi Tanhum explains, “God told Moshe,” the water that watched over you when you were cast into the river and the dust that protected you when you killed that Egyptian should not be hit by your hand, but rather should be smitten by Aaron. (Midrash Tanhuma, Va’era 14)

Do you know how Moshe was ‘watched over’ by the river and sand?

Water and sand have no feelings! Why does Moshe have to care about them?

How do you think this idea applies to people who do have feelings?


Discuss

What are you thankful for? Did someone do something special for you? Do you think it is important to say thank you for big things? What about little things? How do you usually show someone that you appreciate what they did for you? Can you think of a new way to show thanks?
Create

Make Thank you cards!

Materials:

Cardstock
Markers
Glitter
Glue
Die-cuts, stickers, and other decorations from craft store

Directions:

  1. Cut your card-stock to desired size
  2. Decorate the front with any picture or stickers that show that gratitude.
  3. Add a personal message to someone for something special that they did.
  4. If you want to add a fun activity, designate a ‘mailbox’ to bring to your Thanksgiving get-together so the cards can be distributed!