JCC Association's Early Childhood Curriculum Project 'This New Month'

September 13 - October 12, 2007

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This Month's Torah Portions:

Overview
The First Day of Creation
The Second Day of Creation
The Third Day of Creation
The Fourth Day of Creation
The Fifth Day of Creation
The Sixth Day of Creation
The Seventh Day of Creation

Genesis Chapter 1, Verse 14

The Fourth Day of Creation

"Yihiy Mi'orot Birkiya Hashamyim Lihavdil Bein Hayon Uvein Halayla Vihayu Li'otot Ulimo'adim"

"Let there be lights in the heavens to separate between the day and the night, and they shall be for signs and for festivals"

Overview of the Biblical Text:

On the fourth day of creation G-d created the heavenly illuminators; the sun to shine in the day and the moon and stars to shine at night. The entire solar system was created at this time too. The placement of the sun reveals G-d's divine wisdom. If it was any closer and we would broil, if it was further, we would freeze.

The lunar cycle (waxing and waning of the moon) plays a significant role in Judaism. Rosh Chodesh, the new moon, is determined by the placement of the moon. By extension, the dates of Jewish holidays, which follow the lunar cycle are determined by the placement of the moon as well.

Discussion Questions:

We wear sunglasses during the day. Why don't we wear 'moonglasses' at night?
How many stars are in the sky?
Why does the moon sometimes look fat and sometimes look thin?
Can people go to the sun like they go to the moon?
When do we see the stars and moon? Why can't we see them during the day?
When do we see the sun? Why can't we see it at night?

Activity Ideas:

Introduce the solar system and the lunar cycle.
Glow-in-the-dark art - Use glow in the dark paper on black construction paper to create a moon and stars night scene.
Discuss importance of bedtimes and healthy sleeping habits. Give children a chart to keep track of the times that the go to sleep. Preschool teacher Chavie S. suggests having the students bring in their charts at the end of each week and praising/giving prizes to children who filled in the chart.