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The Days of Creation come to life in an interactive family program "In the Beginning", designed by Montclair artist/Jewish educator Jennifer Levine. With her encouragement, groups of Hebrew School students and their parents are involved in performing an original skit about one particular day using props supplied by Ms. Levine. Huge canvas bags labeled "Day 1," "Day 2", and so forth filled with mysterious cardboard and cloth props catch the students' attention right away. After forming teams, the children grab the appropriate bag for their day and start developing a "story line" to describe how the Creator created light and darkness, birds and mammals, ocean and fish, man and beasts. With a flourish, each team presents an original drama. A youngster draped in white walks around one dressed in black, as day eclipses night. Using a blue sheet, a child waves the ocean into existence, while brightly-colored cardboard fish emerge from the depths. A mother waves her wings around and displays a cardboard egg, which hatches a chick (played by a child), posing the eternal question, which came first? "I got the idea for this program sitting in services this Rosh HaShana. To me, "Bereshit" is a visual experience," said Ms. Levine. "I thought it would be amazing to see family groups working together with giant puppet props to make each day come alive." Ms. Levine created the program that premiered Feb. 3 at Cong. Agudath Israel of West Essex, with about 30 youngsters and their parents. "I believe exploring Jewish values and celebrating Jewish life through imaginative props and performing has the ability to unleash creativity, build confidence, and enhance Jewish identity," she added. "I think it was very creative and innovative. The children did a great job," said Ed Levey of North Caldwell, who came with his 9-year-old twins, Marissa and Andrew. "Jennifer was very motivating as she led us through the project." {click the thumbnails for full view}Photographs
For bookings and questions please contact Jennifer In the Beginning… Young children ages 2-5 celebrate the days of creation with artist Jennifer Levine in this interactive program featuring music, movement and unusual hand-made props. Working together, audience and performer experience the miracle of the beginning of the world. |
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