Children from kindergarten through second grade participated in the Israel Club, a new after school class at the Simon Family JCC on Monday, January 31.
The idea of creating an Israel Club stemmed from the desire to build connections between the next generation and Israel. Through art, games, videos, and more, Israel Club aims to instill in participants a love for Israel—a country which holds so much beauty, innovation, and history.
During the first class, the children played a Kahoot! Trivia game and then did a walking tour to learn some fun facts about Israel. Finally, the participants made and painted a clay sculpture of what first comes to mind when they hear the word, Israel. From Israeli flags and the Star of David to olive branches and a white dove, the children brought their thoughtful creativity into the the project.
“It’s important for the kids in our community to have a place to learn and connect to Israel in a fun setting,” says Shikma Rubin, whose six-year-old son attends Israel Club. “I love that my son is excited to go and comes home sharing all of the new things he learned.”
The Simon Family JCC will offer Israel Club for children in third through fifth grades beginning in March.
To learn more about Israel Club and other children’s classes offered at the Simon Family JCC, visit simonfamilyjcc.org/childrens-classes or contact Sarah Cooper at scooper@ujft.org or 757-321-2306.
Nofar Trem is the Children and Family Program coordinator at the Simon Family JCC and United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.