A collection of brief skits based on and emphasizing the biblical text of each weekly Torah portion.

A teacher's bible for teaching the Five Books of Moses This invaluable guide for preparing to teach or study the weekly Torah portion provides a precise synopsis of each of the 54 parashiyot, as well as overviews of commentaries and sources, capsule biographies of Torah interpreters, and provocative questions. Over 1,000 unusual strategies help readers analyze, extend, and personalize the text. A bibliography and a thematic index make this an especially useful resource for Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation, sermon/D'var Torah ideas, and Havurah discussions.

Polly Pepper is a living legend, straight from television's golden age, complete with the star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame. But these days, it seems her only time in the spotlight is accepting some yes-your-career-is-over Lifetime Achievement Award. Really, would it kill someone to offer her a decent role? It kind of looks that way when the untimely death of her dear friend, Trixie Wilder, opens up a part in the blockbuster teen musical Detention Rules. . .but as a grandmother?! Although she's completely insulted, Polly knows she should audition, especially when she reads in Daily Variety about who else is being considered: Sedra Stone, her rival who stole Polly's second husband--and her third. When Sedra gets the role, Polly is incensed, but not for long. Because soon Sedra is dead after falling from a diving platform into an empty pool. . . Now it's up to Polly to solve Sedra's murder and see to it that someone will be starring in a real-life drama, tentatively titled Life Without Parole. . . "What if Carol Burnett had starred in Murder She Wrote? Jordan answers that question with a wink and a giggle in his debut mystery starring Polly Pepper. The dish on real-life Hollywood, past and present, enlivens the start of a promising series." --Publishers Weekly

The leading thinkers in Jewish education today analyze current practices, reflect on the social and psychological aspects of Bar/Bat Mitzvah, provide examples of programs to replicate, address concerns of those with special needs, outline creative family education opportunities and successful mitzvah programs, and provide strategies for teaching trope. Fifty chapters written by cantors, rabbis, directors of education, and scholars. Results of a survey of Bar/Bat Mitzvah educators included.

Cover the spectrum of Jewish topics: Bible, Ethics, History, Folklore, Holidays, Holocaust, and Life Cycle. For teachers in supplementary schools and day schools group workers.

Sixty-four dynamic activities in four arts disciplines--music, drama, creative writing, and visual arts--weave the arts directly into the Jewish school curriculum and "open up" the big ideas of Jewish education. An extensive introduction examines the importance of the arts in Jewish life and Jewish education and explains the philosophy of this unique integrative approach. Includes four topic areas (Holidays, Torah, Mitzvot and Middot, and Jewish Life Cycle) with activities for four grade levels (K-1, 2-3, 4-6, and Family Education) and, within each grade level, one activity in each of the four arts disciplines. CONTENTS: Part I: Holidays Shabbat (Grades K-1) Chanukah (Grades 2-3) Sukkot (Grades 4-6) Pesach (Family Education) Part II: Torah Noah's Ark (Grades K-1) Three Righteous Women (Grades 2-3) Moses and the Burning Bush (Grades 4-6) Jacob and Esau (Family Education) Part III: Mitzvot and Middot Tza'ar Ba'alay Chayim: Kindness to Animals (Grades K-1) Hachnasat Orchim: Welcoming Guests (Grades 2-3) Derech Eretz: Proper Behavior (Grades 4-6) Bal Tashchit: Do Not Destroy (Family Education) Part IV: Jewish Life Cycle Baby Naming (Grades K-1) Growing Older (Grades 2-3) Bar/Bat Mitzvah (Grades 4-6) Death (Family Education) SPECIAL FEATURES: "Big Idea" and "Inspiration" sections provide the background and the rationale for each activity. Clearly stated objectives for each activity tie directly to the Big Ideas. Materials lists, step-by-step instructions, helpful hints, and suggested resources make activities easy to implement. Activities are adaptable to higher or lower grade levels, providing hundreds of creative opportunities. Ideal for average classroom teachers who think they are not artists, in addition to arts specialists