The creation story in the Torah begins with light. We read that God speaks light into being and separates the light from the dark, creating night and day. The awe we feel at space features often in Jewish prayers and poetry, where we praise day and night, dawn and twilight, and the cycles of the days and seasons.
This summer, take advantage of warm nights and clear skies to do some star gazing with your family. It’s a perfect and simple way to connect to Judaism while enjoying some quality time together. You can even put together a stargazing journal to track your outtings and celestial observations.
This Activity Works With These Books
Supplies
- A notebook
- Something to write with
- A blanket to sit or lay on
- Binoculars (optional)
- A flashlight or lantern
Directions
- Go outside at night (with a grown-up) and watch the sky. Pay attention to the shape of the moon, and note where the different constellations are.
- Draw what you see in your notebook over several trips outside --how have the stars moved? What phase is the moon in? Do you see something new?
- Talk it over:
- How does looking up at the sky at night make you feel?
- What would you like to share with the world?
- What is up there that you can’t see but can imagine?
More
How to Teach Kids About Gratitude
Unplugged Activities for Quiet Weekends and Shabbat
July 7, 2025