I take a heaping spoonful of Shabbat chicken soup, savoring the fluffy matzo ball as the warm, comforting flavors envelop me. Delicious! All around me, the sounds of Shabbat songs fill the air, transporting me to a place of peace and joy. But something magical is happening… I glance at the seat next to me and can hardly believe my eyes. Am I really sitting at the biggest Shabbat table ever? Wait a minute—can I actually crawl through this massive, braided challah? Is the Kiddush cup… talking?!
The glow from the Shabbat candles seems to spread, softly illuminating the entire table. Suddenly, Rachel is jumping on the challah, her laughter filling the air. “David, David, wake up!” she calls out. “We’re about to smell the besamim for Havdalah!”
I blink, realizing I’ve been daydreaming—but this isn’t just any daydream. It’s a memory of my amazing visit to the Jewish Children’s Museum! And yes, they really do have a giant Shabbat and Yom Tov table that you can climb on, complete with an oversized challah, a Kiddush cup taller than you, and so much more.
At the Museum, Shabbat comes to life in a way you’ve never experienced before. You can even discover Shabbat recipes from around the world by scrolling through the interactive Matzah Ball recipe game! It’s a place where the “do’s and don’ts” of Shabbat turn into a fun exploration, like learning about the 39 Melachos—activities prohibited on Shabbat—designed to help us appreciate the beauty of what is allowed.
And just when you think you’ve seen it all, the Havdalah exhibit invites you to engage all your senses. Did you know there are 15 different types of spices you can smell during Havdalah at the Museum? You can even learn three of the different brachot (blessings) for different kinds of spices, fragrances, and plants. Who knew there was so much to explore about a simple spice box?
The creativity on display at the Jewish Children’s Museum didn’t just appear overnight. It’s the result of decades of dedication to children’s education, beginning with the founding of Tzivos Hashem—Jewish Children International—back in 1980. The Museum itself, designed by the award-winning architecture firm Gwathmey Siegel, is a stunning combination of modern innovation and timeless tradition.
The exhibits, brought to life by talented designers and educators, unfold like a treasure map of Jewish heritage. From Douglas/Gallagher and Nash Brookes to Maltbie and Watson Productions, every corner of the Museum is built to pique curiosity and joy in children and adults alike.
And today, we’ve only scratched the surface. The Shabbat table is just one of many exciting exhibits across three floors of discovery at the Jewish Children’s Museum. Whether you’re crawling through challah, learning about Shabbat, or embarking on other Jewish adventures, there’s always something new to experience.
So, what are you waiting for? Come visit the Jewish Children’s Museum at 792 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY. It’s the place where time stops and adventure begins!
For tickets and more information, head to our website: www.jcm.museum . We can’t wait to see you!
