Lesson Plan

A Shabbat Moment - Celebrate Shabbat

Lighting the Shabbat candles, saying Kiddush, spending time with the family, and resting from the work of the week are all part of the Jewish Shabbat. Whether one observes Shabbat traditionally or not, this is a special day with unique activities. Throughout history, Shabbat traditions have differed between countries and times. This activity will allow you to compare and contrast a wide variety of artistic depictions of Jews around the world observing Shabbat during the 1800s and early 1900s. In this activity we will write about the scene in the picture and create a shared eBook.

Compare and contrast a wide variety of artistic depictions of Jews around the world observing Shabbat during the 1800s and early 1900s.

Group Activity

Use the worksheet to analyze primary sources

Discussion Questions

  • Why do you think the artist chose to capture this particular moment?
  • What elements are similar to Shabbat in your life and what are different?
  • Are there any unfamiliar objects in the picture? Try to find out what they are and what their purpose was.
  • Compare the picture you chose with another. Do the scenes depict the same thing? How do the settings compare? Which picture do you like more?

Creative Activity

Creative Writing: 

Write a short scene dramatizing the moment in the picture you analyzed. 

Expand on any aspect of the picture, create dialogue, background, or conflict, or provide context for the action the people are performing. 

Then upload the text you wrote together with the picture you chose to the internet and create an eBook.

Save/Print PDF

Use the worksheet to analyze primary sources

Primary sources in this lesson

Primary source in this Game

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