As many PJ readers learn through the stories told in our holiday-related Jewish children’s books, the Jewish holiday of Shavuot has roots both in agriculture and religion.
While reading together as a family is certainly a good way to introduce young readers to Shavuot, families can encourage further Jewish-agricultural connections by introducing related artful (and tasty!) holiday projects.
Below are a number of hands-on holiday crafts for children and their families.
Edible Activities
Mount Sinai is the mountain on which it is told that Moses received the 10 Commandments/Torah from God. Consider allowing your children to have some yummy fun with these recipes:
Mount Sinai Muffins
Kveller.com writer Joanna Brichetto offers the perfect Shavuot treat to make with your child—complete with edible stone tablets.
More Mountain Mouthfuls
The Bible Belt Balabusta offers a number of "edible options, both fast and slow" for Sinai-themed treats.
Chocolate Mt. Sinai Cake
According to ChallahCrumbs, a Har Sinai cake is a fun and easy activity.
Arts & Crafts
There are countless ways to showcase Mt. Sinai in crafts. Here are a couple good ones:
Sinai Collage
The Creative Jewish Mom offers step-by-step instructions for making a display the whole family can enjoy for Shavuot.
Ten Commandments Origami
This paper-folding craft from the Bible Belt Bulabusta commemorates the giving of the Ten Commandments on Mt. Sinai.
Floral Crafts
The foot of Mount Sinai, according to the ancient Midrash, became beautifully covered with flowers prior to the giving of the Torah on its summit. Create decorative flowers with your children in time for Shavuot.
Tissue Paper Flowers
These tissue flowers from the Upper West Side Mom are a perfects craft for Shavuot.
Recycled Plastic Bottle Bouquet
The Creative Jewish Mom provides a how-to guide for making unique, long-lasting flowers out of reused plastic bottles.
Pipe Cleaner Flowers
Another colorful guide from the Creative Jewish Mom, these instructions show us how to make colorful pipe cleaner flower bouquets that are sweet and simple.
Looking for more crafts and ideas? Follow PJ Library on Pinterest.
May 13, 2013