If you’re a PJ Library subscriber, you’re likely familiar with the story of Noah’s ark. Many of the stories we share with children focus on the animals inhabiting the ark, but what about the people? Who was there? Did they help build the ark? How did they manage for all of those days at sea?
Noah’s wife is described in various different ways in the Torah. There are also midrash about her, crediting her as a clever woman with quite the green thumb.
In October 2024, some PJ Library subscribers will receive Counting on Naamah, a story centered around Noah’s wife. In this version, she’s named Naamah, and she’s a problem solver, a clever inventor, and a compassionate caretaker of animals.
Discuss
After reading the book Counting on Naamah, take a closer look at the illustrations:
- What skills does young Naamah have that come in handy later in her life?
- What are some of the problems Naamah solves?
- How are Noah and Naamah alike? How are they different?
Learn
Math comes easily to Naamah, and she does amazing things with it. No wonder — numbers play an important role in many aspects of Jewish history and tradition.
Ever hear of gematria? It’s a method of matching each Hebrew letter with a corresponding number and then calculating the numerical value of words in Hebrew texts to discover deeper layers of meaning. (Fun fact: The gematria of the name “Naamah” is 165, which is the same value as the phrase “eida lakol,” Hebrew for “I know everything!”) The Bible itself features many calculations and quantities: detailed accounts of lifespans, the Ten Commandments, 613 total commandments, dimensions of structures like the ark . . . Naamah fits right in to the Jewish heritage of mathematical mastery.
Make
Throughout the picture book Counting on Naamah, Naamah’s inventions solve problems that she sees around her. Think about problems that you could potentially solve. (A machine that translates meows into English? A homework-checking device? A bed-making robot?) Then, practice being an inventor yourself.
- Supplies:
- Paper
- Pens, crayons, pencils
- Imagination
- Instructions:
- Draw sketches of your inventions.
- Write up descriptions of what your inventions are for and how they work.
- Share your inventions with others!
Read
More
7 Books About Incredible Jewish Women
Make a Noah’s Ark Craft
Picture Books That Teach Problem Solving
October 1, 2024