V'zot Habrachah

(Simchat Torah)

.

Middah/
Jewish Value

Activity
Early Years &
Foundation Stage
0 - 5		 We celebrate that we have finished the reading of our precious Torah and are starting it again - Celebrating Simchat Torah This is a time when children join in the main synagogue service, so on the Shabbat before, Shabbat Chol Hamoed, describe what will happen on Simchat Torah (see below) and act out the Hakafot, using mini Torah scrolls.
On Simchat Torah we finish reading the Torah and start to read it again. We are happy that we will be able to start reading it all over again in the coming year.
In the evening and the morning of Simchat Torah we take the Sifrei Torah out of the Aron Kodesh/Ark and carry them around the shul seven times, whilst the congregation join in singing and dancing This is called the 'Hakafot'. Children make flags which they hold as they join in the Hakafot procession.
Key Stage 1
5 - 8		 We complete the yearly cycle of reading the Torah with this, the final parashah in the Torah. When we have finished reading V'zot Habrachah we immediately follow with a reading of part of parashat Bereishit - Knowing the names of all the Parashot in the Book of Devarim 'Human Learning Aid'
V'zot Habrachah is the last Parashah in the Book of Devarim. Print flashcards of the names of each Parashah in Devarim (11) using Resource Pages 1 - 3 and distribute them. The children have to form themselves into a line, correctly showing the order of the Book of Devarim.
Key Stage 2
8 - 11		 We complete the yearly cycle of reading the Torah with this, the final parashah in the Torah. When we have finished reading V'zot Habrachah we immediately follow with a reading of part of parashat Bereishit - Knowing the names of all the Parashot in the five books of the Torah Use the 'Human Learning Aid' Activity from Key Stage 1 above, but also print the parashot of Bereishit, Shemot, Vayikra and Bemidbar. You will find these in:
  1. Parashat Vayechi - Key Stage 1 Activity, Resource pages 1 - 3
  2. Parashat Pekudei - Key Stage 1 Activity, Resource Pages 2 - 4
  3. Parashat Bechukotai - Key Stage 1 Activity, Resource Pages 2 - 4
  4. Parashat Massei - Key Stage 1 Activity, Resource pages 1 - 3
Have the children correctly show the order of Bereishit, Shemot, Vayikra, Bemidbar and Devarim.