September is here again. The Yamim Nora’im always stir memories, of times and of people.

When school started up again one year ago, the older of our two Israeli grandchildren was entering 6th grade. Grandparents got an invitation to a dozen or so Wednesday morning sessions through the school year. Sabas and Savtas would meet with grandkids, and learn together.

I thought we might be learning Chumash and Rashi, but the aim was otherwise. Along with other elementary schools, this one, an all-boys school, had worked for years to craft a curriculum to help elders convey their generation’s story to the youngsters. They called the program Kesher Rav-Dori, Multi-Generational Connection.

I was intrigued, but skeptical. English speakers turn to friends and say, “Now that’s a story to tell your grandchildren!” This is a pleasant thought, though it assumes that your grandchildren will be listening.

The teacher began by sharing techniques for effective storytelling: vivid descriptions of time and place, and so on. Then there were exercises, generations working together.

One was a circle game, similar to Musical Chairs. They called it Hageshem yored al…, the Rain Falls on…

All of us sat in a circle. One child stood in the middle, holding a pile of small cards. He read the top card: Hageshem yored al, the rain falls on…anyone who played kaduregel!  (Football, soccer to Americans.) Music plays. Everyone who has played kaduregel jumps up and finds an open seat. When the music stops, the child who can’t find a seat is the next reader.

I stayed put, of course, never having played kaduregel.

The next........

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