We are honored that Jewish Holiday Rap is a part of the upcoming Rosenfield Legacy Project, a resource guide of lessons connecting Jewish values to children's literature for grades K-2.  Originally planned to be a gift to Jewish Day Schools in South Florida, the vision of this project has expanded and will hopefully be able to be made available to non-profit Jewish educational organizations throughout the country.

Jewish Holiday Rap

by Lisa Baydush © 2004
Song-sheet with Schtick

Chorus:

Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Simchas Torah,

Hanukah, Tu B’Shvat, Purim and Passover,

Shabbat, Yom Ha-atzma’ut,

Shavuos and Tisha B’Av to boot!
 
Rosh Hashanah is just the beginning

of a year filled with Jewish holidays;

Yom Kippur is next, it’s not fun, we don’t eat food,

but we take the time to say, “I’m sorry.”

Then we celebrate the harvest on Sukkot,

We pick apples from the trees, and build a sukkah in the yard

with Dad… or with Mom…. depending on…
who is more skilled with a hammer and a nail!  

knock-knock… OW!

(chorus)
 
On Simchas Torah, we re-roll the Torah,

We start to read the books anew;

And then Hanukah is really, really fun…

Dreidels, latkes, candles, gelt, and soufganio-ot…  

Jelly donuts are so good!
Can I have one?!!  Have an apple dear.  Mom!!!

Next we celebrate the harvest once again,
with apples, raisins, walnuts, dates, and figs for Tu B’Shvat.

(chorus)
 
Next comes Purim - we read the Megillah,

we wear costumes for this joyous holiday;

Soon it’s Passover, my most favorite one of all! 
We celebrate with all our family, at the seder, where we eat…
Matzah balls, gefilte fish, and chocolate macaroons,
We sip wine when no one’s looking, and we dance around the room,
We sing songs and tell the story of our people long ago…
You know, I think we do that at nearly EVERY holiday! 

Yeah, you’re right!  Like…
(chorus)
 
Can you name the most important holiday? 

We celebrate it every week!  Shabbat!

And we honor, Yis-ra-el on Yom Ha-atzma’ut!  Yay, Israel!

We celebrate receiving the Torah on Shavuos!

And Tisha B’Av, you might not know…
That’s… when we remember the destruction of the Temples... 
Ohh… that’s so sad… we should fast… again?!!
(chorus)
 
Let’s do it faster!  Okay!  Let’s go!
(chorus)