Families/Raisin Messi Kids
Families/ Raisin Messi Kids
Making Shabbat special:
Let the week lead into Shabbat – "Only three more days till Shabbat!"... "Tomorrow is Shabbat!"
Serve the kids special Shabbat-only treats – e.g. soda, ice cream. (Of course these are only special if they're "only on Shabbat.") Even if you don't normally let the kids eat sugary cereals or junk food during the week, on Shabbat let them have it all. (It’s a good way of avoiding it during the week – "Treats are for Shabbat!")
Keep a collection of toys and games that are exclusive for Shabbat. Put away the ones they can't use on Shabbat (musical instruments, crayons, etc.) and take out the new ones.
After Shabbat is over, when you're tucking them into bed, review all the highlights of Shabbat. "Remember how yummy the challah tasted?"... "Oh, you were so quiet while Daddy made Kiddush!"... "Wasn't our Shabbat outing fun?"
Most of all, set a good example. If they "SEE" you enjoying the preparation and fulfillment of Shabbat, that will be the greatest influence on them.
Something to do: What Does Quiet Sound Like?
Rabbi Abahu said in the name of Rabbi Yochanan: `When God gave the Torah, no bird chirped, no fowl flew, no ox made a sound, angels did not fly, Seraphim did not say “Kadosh,” the sea did not stir, no creature spoke. The world was utterly silent–and a voice was heard: “I am the Lord your God.” (Midrash Shemot Rabbah, 29)
Gather the children (even adults) — Read the above midrash once through. Assign each child or person one of the “noises” — birds chirping, fowl flying, cows bleating, sheep bleating, rooster crowing, baby crying, ocean crashing, cat or dog making noise, snap of a twig, etc.
Then, reread the midrash having everyone in the group add sound effects. Repeat this until everyone is making his or her noise as loud as possible. Finally, count to three, and enjoy a full minute of silence. How does that sound?
Remind all that this is why, when the Torah is presented, the whole congregation and room is SILENT.