The Dos and Don’ts of Judaism

Judaism has 613 rules. These are also called commandments, or mitzvot in Hebrew. They are written in the Torah, Judaism’s holy scriptures. But why are there any rules, anyway? In this workshop, we will investigate the question of how rules develop, both in everyday life and in Judaism. What happens when they aren’t followed? And what consequences are there for what I do and don’t do – for myself and for others? 

The workshop will take place in ANOHA, the Children’s World of the Jewish Museum Berlin, as well as in its core exhibition. In ANOHA, we will look at how everyone – humans, animals and plants – can get on well together. How do we make rules that are ok for everyone? And what does the rainbow have to do with this? In the core exhibition, we will learn about the commandments that exist for Jews today – for example, when they are preparing a meal or want to observe the Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest.

In this three-hour workshop, children in grades 1– 6 will investigate the importance of rules in their lives, in Judaism and in the museum. They will explore Noah’s Ark, solve problems together and engage with the architecture of the Jewish Museum Berlin. In between, they’ll have the opportunity to chill out in the Shabbat room!