Explain to children the region where Judaism originated. Point out Israel on a map. Discuss the significance of the location to the Jewish faith.
Provide children with a basic background of the Jewish faith. Explain to them that the Jewish faith is monotheistic, or that there is one God and that God created the universe and everything in it. Inform children that those who believe in Judaism believe that they are God's chosen people. Explain that Abraham is the founder of the Jewish faith and that it is one of the world's oldest religions, with a history that spans more than 4,000 years.
Highlight some of the important symbols associated with the Jewish faith. Explain that the Star of David is a symbol of the Jewish faith and that it represents the connection of God, Israel and the Torah. Inform children that the Torah is a book that Jewish people use to guide them through life and that they believe the words of the Torah are God's words. The menorah is used to represent the miracle of oil that was supposed to last for 1 day but instead lasted for 8 days.
Talk about the significance of holy days in the Jewish faith. Explain that Passover celebrates the freeing of Jewish slaves, Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year and Hanukkah is the Festival of Lights. Tell children that Saturday is the most important day of the week in the Jewish faith and that it's referred to as the Sabbath. Explain to children how the holy days are observed, and set up mock observances so that they can experience these celebrations.
Make arrangements for a Rabbi to talk to children. Ask the Rabbi to offer information to expand on the information that children have already been taught. Encourage a question asking-and-answering session between children and the Rabbi.
Take children to a synagogue so that they can observe how the Jewish people celebrate their religion. Present boys with yarmulkes to wear, or a kippah, as it is called in Hebrew, and explain the significance of the head piece. Remind children to be respectful of the ceremony and discuss the events that occurred after the ceremony.