Artists at Work

With looks of concentration on their faces, the children dipped small brushes into blobs of thick acrylic paint and applied it in bold stokes to their goblets. The materials displayed in front of them were not typically materials thought of for young children: acrylic paint and glass goblets. The materials of real artists.

Real materials to create a real, lasting object. By choosing these real materials for them to use, the teachers helped children understand their role as competent creators who can contribute to the observance of the holiday. Watching them work, I could see that the children clearly understood the significance of this work and approached it with a seriousness and sense of respect.

Hiddur mitzvah, the beautification of a mitzvah, is the Hebrew term for the act of creating something that makes another mitzvah more beautiful. It is a Jewish value to create a striking work of art that can be used as part of a Jewish ritual. In this case, as the children created cups for Elijah to use at their Passover seders, they worked to bring color and beauty to their work, in turn enhancing the seder experience for their families and guests. Real materials, a sense of true purpose, and a mitzvah. It's no wonder they looked so focused!