In this week’s parasha, Moshe continues his revision of many of the commandments and tells B’nei Yisrael that a ceremony will take place between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebel, as they enter Canaan.  At that time, the consequences of following the Torah, or worshipping idols in the land would be announced.  B’nei Yisrael were to make a choice between being blessed ot being cursed.  We learn that the result of each person’s choice would, in fact, affect all B’nei Israel.

The commandments included the reminder to destroy all idols that belonged to the previous occupants of the land and also the prohibition of following customs of other nations.

The preparation and salting of meat in order for it to be kosher was described, as well as a revision of signs of kosher animals and fish.  Next is a list of 24 non-kosher birds.  The final law on kosher food is the rule never to mix meat with milk.  Primary 2 were very busy this week sorting between kosher and non-kosher animals, birds and fish.

B’nei Yisrael were to build a Temple called the Bet Hamikdash, where offerings were to be brought every day, and also on the three special thanksgiving festivals of Pesach, Shavuot and Succot, where people had the opportunity to thank Hashem for the blessings of the produce of their farmland.  Pesach must always be celebrated in spring and from this, we learn how the Hebrew calendar was adjusted by adding an extra month (Adar), 7 times, in a cycle of 19 years.  This week Primary 4 have written letters of gratitude to Hashem to thank him for everything that he has done for us.

Questions to ask your children

Can you tell me how and animals is kosher?

Can you tell me how a fish is kosher?

Can you tell me how we know if a bird is kosher?

Can you name the three foot festivals?