Great Questions asked by 4th Grade

At a recent Kabbalat Shabbat our 4th graders posed a series of questions inspired by the prayers that they were leading. When you read the questions below consider the level of depth and meaning they contain. Sometimes we struggle to find an entry point into Jewish prayer. These questions provide a great starting point and definitely had the adults in the room engaged and reflecting that morning. Kudos to Morah Rivkah for helping the kids arrive at these thoughtful prompts.

Hannah: L’cha dodi reminds us to keep and remember the Sabbath day.  When was the last time you celebrated Shabbat.

Jackson:  In L’cha do Shabbat is described as a bride. What do you think the bride looks like?

Lawrence: During elohai I feel like the prayer is getting me ready and active for praying. How do you feel during elohai?

Ethan B.: The prayer we are about to pray is Elohai.  Do you stop at least once a day to appreciate the gift of your life?

Ben K.: When you wake up, what are you thankful to God for?

Josh B:  We say the Barchu and Shema eveytime we pray. Do you remember to think about what it means or do you just say the words?

Jake : We proclaim that God is one.  What is one word you would use to describe God’s power?

Ben R.: V’ahavta is about loving Adonai. How do you show love to God?

Josh C.:  Yes, we pray about loving God.  What presents do you think God gave to us to show God’s love to show how much he cares about us?

Olivia:  During v’ahavta we say, “teach them faithfully unto your children”.  Are we all making sure to teach with our words and our actions?

Lily:  During Shabbat how close do you feel to God when you’re saying or singing a prayer?

Sarah: In singing Mi Chamocha we are celebrating our freedom.  Have you helped someone to become free lately? Free from fear? Freedom to have equal rights?

Molly: Mi Chamocha is also about putting yourself in your ancestor’s shoes. Have you stopped this week and put yourself in someone else’s shoes?

Ethan L.: When I think about Eternity utters a day, I think about how lucky we are to have Shabbat.  A break from the everyday.  What do you think about when we sing this song?

Scott:  Have you truly ever stopped and thought about what Shabbat rest is?

Leah: We speak of God’s holiness during the Amidah.  In what ways do you feel God’s holiness in your life? Or even right now?

Jenna:  Do you ever stop, reflect, and take a second to think about what God has done for you? For us?