Parshat Bamidbar is the opening to a new book of the Torah called Bamidbar or Numbers. This parsha introduces us to the 12 tribes of Israel and their encampment in the desert. Each tribe had a flag in a distinctive color with their tribal symbol (for example, Judah’s symbol is a Lion; Dan’s is a scale, Benjamin’s is a wolf). This parsha provides a good opportunity to talk about how the Jewish community is made up of many different groups that each contribute in different ways.
Materials:
Colored Toothpicks
Crayons, Markers
Tape
Printout of tribal flags (pdf)
Scissors
Optional: 12 muffins or cupcakes or marshmallows
Instructions:
1. Color each flag on the printout in different colors.
2. Cut out the 12 different flags from the printout.
3. Tape the flags onto toothpicks
4. Arrange your 12 muffins (or marshmallows) like the tents in the desert – 3 in the north, 3 in the south, 3 in the east, and 3 in the west.
5. Insert your flags into each muffin! Admire your encampment and then eat it!
This craft can be found on ChallahCrumbs.com, a wonderful resources for Jewish projects and crafts. The craft is by Emily Shapiro Katz, an experienced and creative community Jewish educator. She lives in Beer Sheva in Kehilat Beerot and works for Go South with Nefesh B'Nefesh. Go Emily blogs about her Parsha Projects at parshaprojects.blogspot.com/.