Scripture: 1 Samuel 1-3
Learning Objectives:
- Students will learn the story of Hannah praying for a son.
- Students will learn about various Jewish holidays and their importance.
Guiding Questions: How can students learn the history behind Jewish holidays?
Materials: Photos and food associated with holidays in the procedure
Procedure:
Teach the story of Hannah praying for Samuel. Explain that Jewish men were required to go to the Tabernacle three times a year to celebrate three Jewish holidays – Passover (around April), Pentecost (May]. And the Festival of Boots or Tabernacles – Sukkot in Oct.
We don’t know which of the three holidays it was when Hannah had her encounter with Eli. We do know that all three holidays pointed to Jesus. Passover – Jesus’ death on the cross – remembered by our current communion each week, Pentecost – a holiday which by the time of Jesus was celebrating when Moses received the law on Mt Sinai and is also when God started the Church after Jesus returned to Heaven and Sukkot – Jesus in John 7 and 8 compared himself to two of the elements of Sukkot water and light. Bring in photos, items used to celebrate and/ or special foods associated with each of the holidays for students to experience. (You can find ideas on many websites for Jewish children.)
Additional Questions: How can the students learn about non-Jewish holidays that are celebrated by Christians today?
Supplemental Activity: Have the students research culture and traditions of holidays celebrated by Christians today. After research, bring in food and other objects that represent the holidays for students to experience.