The high holidays provide a seminal and inspiring touchpoint for many Jews to their Judaism, giving them an opportunity to connect with their tradition through prayer, introspection, and synagogue services. However, for many children, the highlight of the month of Tishrei is the holidays of Sukkot and Simchat Torah. The exciting adventure of the sukkah, the fun shaking of the lulav and etrog, and the joyous dancing with the Torah, all channel the youthful enthusiasm and exuberance of children.
During the pandemic, many children would be unable to attend synagogue or holiday programming, putting a damper on the holidays for children. With chaotic school schedules, and intermittent quarantining, children were already dealing with many challenges to what they consider normalcy.
CKids stepped up to the plate, determined to provide engaging and exciting programming for the holidays of Sukkot and Simchat Torah that would be available to all children, tailor made for those unable to leave home.
CKids provided Shluchim with a Sukkot toolbox, containing stories, edible crafts, art projects, and games, with relevant and clear lessons written with children in mind. Headlined by the unity mission, children were challenged with certain mitzvah missions, with an awesome raffle for all who participated.
‘’We are wholly invested in our youth community,’’ explains Rabbi Avrohom Kievman from Liverpool, UK ‘’when CKids launched their CKids toolkit we were absolutely thrilled. With their level of professionalism and attention to detail, we knew we could rely on these toolkits to share the message and joy of Sukkot and Simchat Torah with our youth community.’’
‘’CKids has really spearheaded this campaign to provide engaging and exciting programming that is versatile enough to be enjoyed at home,’’ Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, executive director of Merkos suite 302 adds. ‘’There is no child that should not be able to celebrate Sukkot and Simchat Torah, and CKids has really made that possible.’’
“No matter the circumstance – every child should be able to get involved in the holidays,” Eli Brafman, a donor to this project, passionately conveys. ‘’With a diverse array of activities, we are sure that any and every child will be able to connect to the messages and joy of Sukkot and Simchat Torah.’’
The CKids Sukkot Tool box is a project of Merkos suite 302, and has been dedicated in honor of Reb Yakov Halevi Ben Sarah Rivkah, Mrs. Leah Bas Sara Beila, and their family. May they be blessed with children, health and sustenance in abundance.
And in Loving memory of Rav Tzvi Dov (Hershel) Scheiner a”h.
