Aim

To reflect upon the concept of forgiveness

Lesson

Begin by reviewing what was taught in the previous lesson about the Books of Life and Death. Inform the children that many Jews believe the books are only open for the ten days following Rosh Hashanah. On the tenth day, the books are sealed and a permanent record is made of a person's actions during the previous year.

Many Jews believe that during the ten days in which the books are open, they have a chance to say sorry to other people for the things which they have done. These ten days are called the days of returning or repentance.

What is repentance? Is it enough just to say 'sorry'? Discuss with the help of the list of quotations.

Activity

Following discussion, groups of children could:

• write a letter of apology to those whom they have offended
• make a card to say sorry
• write an acrostic on the word REPENTANCE
• decide upon a plan of action to make up for the wrongs they have done others