How to Teach Children Ancient Hebrew Customs

Some children attend Hebrew school to learn about the Hebrew language and customs.

Hebrew is a language that is derived from the ancient Hebrew people who used to inhabit Egypt, Jerusalem and other parts of the Middle East. The Hebrew language and customs are closely associated with the Jewish religion, as many of the Hebrew people practiced Judaism. A wide variety of Hebrew words are still embedded in the religion today as well as many of the Hebrew traditions and customs. Parents can teach their children about ancient Hebrew customs by using a variety of materials and by demonstrating how some of the customs are still practiced today.

Things You'll Need

• Jewish children's books
• Reference books and materials

Instructions

1. Make Judaism important in your home. Don't talk about your religion just on holidays. Go to a synagogue regularly and talk openly about the religion with your children. Make kosher meals and explain how kosher eating plays into the religion and Hebrew customs.

2. Buy a Jewish children's book. Read the books to your small children and hold an informal discussion afterward to talk about the lessons and information the story presented. Jewish children's books can introduce readers to many aspects of the religion and culture from the underlying significance of certain holidays to how the history of the Hebrew people shaped Judaism.

3. Celebrate Jewish and Hebrew holidays. Explain to children the history and significance of each holiday as well as the traditions and customs that come along with them. For example, when lighting a menorah for Hanukkah, explain the story of the Macabees and how their oil in the temple lasted eight days when it was barely enough for even one night. Make the connection of the eight days of oil to the eight candles on the menorah and the fact that Hanukkah is eight nights long.

4. Instruct your children using research and reference materials. Use non-fiction books about Hebrew culture, encyclopedia entries and educational websites to explore ancient Hebrew culture and customs with your children. Explain how some of those customs came to be incorporated into the Jewish religion and are still observed today.

References

• Ancient Hebrew Research Center; "Introduction to the Ancient Hebrew Culture;" Jeff A. Benner
• The Jewish Daily Forward; "Jewish Education Begins at Home;" Justus Baird; April 7, 2010
• The Miami Herald; "Story by story, kids learn about Jewish tradition;" Jaweed Kaleem; September 7, 2010
• Apples 4 the Teacher: About Hanukkah

Resources

• "The Biblical and Historical Background of Jewish Customs and Ceremonies;" Abraham P. Bloch; 1980