Books > Simcha Rabba (Great Joy)

Simcha Rabba (Great Joy)

written by: Bilha Yafeh Illustrated by: Noa Kelner

Ma Nishtana HaLaila Hazeh? (How is this night different?)

The month of Nissan has arrived and brings with it renewal and change. Flowers are blooming, the weather is getting warmer, and festivity is in the air. The song Simcha Raba – Great Joy – written by the poetess and authoress Bilha Yafeh to the tune of Yedidia Admon, has turned into the Passover anthem over the years, delighting generations of children in Israel. The song mentions customs of the past alongside experiences that children today are still familiar with, forming the symbols of the Festival of Spring as celebrated with family and friends. Wishing you a Happy Passover!

Family Activities

The month of Nissan has arrived and brings with it renewal and change. Flowers are blooming, the weather is getting warmer, and festivity is in the air. The song Simcha Raba – Great Joy – written by the poetess and authoress Bilha Yafeh to the tune of Yedidia Admon, has turned into the Passover ...

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Classroom Activities

Ma Nishtana HaLaila Hazeh? (How is this night different?)

The month of Nissan has arrived and brings with it renewal and change. Flowers are blooming, the weather is getting warmer, and festivity is in the air. The song Simcha Raba – Great Joy – written by the poetess and authoress Bilha Yafeh to the tune of Yedidia Admon, has turned into the Passover anthem over the years, delighting generations of children in Israel. The song mentions customs of the past alongside experiences that children today are still familiar with, forming the symbols of the Festival of Spring as celebrated with family and friends.

Wishing you a Happy Passover!

פעילות בחיק המשפחה

  • The lyrics and illustrations in the book mention various Passover symbols. Can your child find the Four Cups, a Matzah, a Passover Haggadah, nuts, and new clothes?
  • Do you know the tune of this song? You can find it here. What other Passover and springrelated songs do you know? You may want to create an illustrated book of your own together, featuring well-loved Passover songs, from which to sing holiday songs on Seder Night.
  • The little girl in the book shares the Passover experience with her dolls, and teaches them how Seder Night is conducted. You could also have a Seder ight with your children and their toys, it is a wonderful fun way of getting ready for the holiday.
  • Passover is the Festival of Spring – a great time to go outdoors and enjoy nature! Where do you like to take trips, and what do you see on your way? Like the little girl in the book, you may like to look for flowers along the way and, if it is permitted, pick them and make a scented bouquet at home.
  • The book pictorially depicts the festive Passover atmosphere: festive clothes, guests, special food, and family customs. How do you celebrate Passover? You may want to include your child in the preparations for the holiday, as well as Seder Night itself. You could assign them age-appropriate roles, such as helping you tidy up and set the table, sing holiday songs, ask the Four Questions, and of course, look for the afikoman!
  • Which experiences do you recall from Seder Night as a child? Young children ove hearing stories of the past. You may want to share pictures, stories, possibly funny anecdotes of Seder night when you were kids, thereby continuing to strengthen the generation chain of your own family's unique Passovers

רעיונות לשילוב הספר בגן

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