Raising Butterflies sparks several Jewish Values!

As you know the Tel Aviv children had the opportunity to raise caterpillars to butterflies! Today we let them go free in the woods. It was amazing ,we placed the butterflies on the children's hands and they each spent a little time with the butterflies and then watched them fly around in the fresh spring weather as they played in the woods. The weather was perfect for our walk to the woods!

What is Jewish about Butterflies?

"There are more than 160,000 species of butterflies, found all over the world. Each species varies in color, size and survival techniques. According to the Creation story in the Torah, butterflies were created by God on the sixth day, the same day that humans were created. Observing butterflies in nature is a lesson in the awe of nature. As one watches butterflies soar,
Flutter, dip,land, and take off once more, one cannot help but be amazed by the beauty and delicateness of butterflies, as well as be awed by the skill of the butterflies creator. "

"As the children engaged in the transformation of caterpillars into butterflies, the partnership between the children and God becomes concrete. Becoming a butterfly( in a classroom) requires help from God and help from the children in the class- a partnership that children can engage in on a daily basis. Studying and caring for butterflies, be it in nature or in the classroom, leads us to think about Creation and the brit, the partnership between God and people."


Throughout the whole process the children were gentle, respectful and caring toward caterpillar/butterflies. Sometimes, the activities we are involved in with children are Jewish moments, even if it's not readily apparent. Jewish values lead to Jewish behaviors. Observing
butterflies, and caring for caterpillars as they grow into butterflies, sparks several Jewish values, including:

Bal Tashchit - Do not Destroy.

G'milut. Chasadim -Acts of loving kindness

Brit - Partnership with God

Ma'aseh B'reishit -Miracle of Creation

Tza'ar Ba'alei Chayim - Kindness to Animals