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

Introduction:

Tisha B'Av memorializes the destruction of the Holy Temple which stood in Jerusalem and served as a central location for the service of G-D. During this time of mourning, we reflect on the fact that G-D saved one remaining wall to provide us with a connection to Him and to times past. The Western Wall/Wailing Wall, called the Kotel in Hebrew, was the western wall which surrounded the courtyard of the Holy Temple. To this day it continues to evoke strong emotional and religious feelings among Jewish people. There is a custom upon visiting the wall to place small notes with prayers written on them into the cracks between the rocks of the Kotel. This activity provides an opportunity for students to create their own Kotel on which they can leave their own notes.

Materials

Butcher paper or shoe boxes (for the wall)
Grass clippings (real clippings, plastic grass, green yarn etc.)
Note paper

Directions:

Create a wall in your classroom. Here are some ideas:
- Lay butcher paper outside on concrete and have students use brown crayons to do a rubbing over the paper to create a bumpy, stony effect OR paint the paper to look like stones.
- Paint or cover shoe boxes, stack and glue or tape together to form a wall.
- Blow up paper bags and glue together to form a wall.
Stuff clumps of grass (real grass clippings, plastic grass or yarn) in cracks to make the wall look more authentic.
Ask the children to think about a prayer or wish to put in the Kotel cracks. Discuss the concept of praying for others as well. Encourage the children to pray or wish for things that are meaningful and important. Give each student a sheet of paper and either have them write/draw something on their sheet or dictate a prayer or wish for you to write onto the paper.
Have students place their prayer notes somewhere along the wall.