1. Torah Story Parade

Description: Kids act out a Torah story (e.g., Noach’s Ark) by pretending to be characters or animals, marching in a “parade” around the room while singing or chanting.

How to Play:

  • Choose a simple Torah story (e.g., Noach’s Ark, Yosef in Egypt, or Moshe at the Sea). Briefly tell it (1–2 minutes) or summarize (e.g., “Noach built an ark and saved animals!”).
  • Assign roles: 2-year-old is an animal (e.g., lion, roars), 4-year-old is another animal (e.g., elephant, stomps), 6-year-old is Noach (leads the parade). Parents can suggest roles but let kids choose if inspired.
  • Kids march in a circle, acting out their roles (e.g., roaring, stomping, or “building” the ark by waving arms). Add a chant like “Noach saved the animals!” or a song like “Bim Bam.”
  • After 5–7 minutes, switch to a new story or roles if kids want to continue.
  • Parents: Start the game by naming the story and roles, then watch and cheer occasionally.

Setup (Before Shabbat):

  • No props needed. Optionally, gather 1–2 non-muktze toys (e.g., stuffed animal for the 2-year-old to hold as their “lion”).
  • Choose 2–3 stories in advance (e.g., Noach, Yosef, Moshe) to suggest if kids need ideas.
  • Time: 2 minutes to prepare.

2. Shabbat Table Hosts

Description: Kids pretend to host a Shabbat meal, taking turns being the “host” who leads kiddush, serves food, and welcomes guests, moving around a pretend table.

How to Play:

  • Set up a small area as the “Shabbat table” (e.g., a blanket or low table).
  • Each child takes a turn as the host. The 6-year-old starts, saying a pretend kiddush (e.g., “Baruch Ata… for Shabbat!”) or humming the tune. The 4-year-old “serves” toy food, and the 2-year-old “eats” or claps.
  • Others play guests, saying “Shabbat Shalom!” or thanking the host. Encourage movement (e.g., walking to “set the table” or “greet guests”).
  • Rotate roles every 3–4 minutes. Let kids add silly but respectful ideas (e.g., “I’m serving challah and honey!”).
  • Parents: Suggest the first host and watch, stepping in only if kids need a new role idea.

Setup (Before Shabbat):

  • Optional: Place 2–3 non-muktze props on a table (e.g., toy plate, plastic kiddush cup, or toy challah). If no props, kids can imagine items.
  • Clear a small space for the “table.”
  • Time: 3 minutes to prepare.

For Ages: All (2-year-old claps or “eats,” 4-year-old serves, 6-year-old leads).

3. Mitzvah Messengers

Description: Kids pretend to be “messengers” delivering mitzvot (e.g., kindness, tzedakah) by running or hopping to different “houses” (corners of the room) to “share” the mitzvah.

How to Play:

  • Explain: “You’re messengers bringing mitzvot to people!” Name a mitzvah (e.g., chesed). Kids hop or run to a corner (a “house”) and act out the mitzvah (e.g., for chesed, pretend to give a hug or share a toy).
  • Assign roles: 2-year-old follows and mimics (e.g., claps for chesed), 4-year-old acts out the mitzvah (e.g., “I’m giving food!”), 6-year-old names the mitzvah or leads the group.
  • Switch mitzvot every 2–3 minutes (e.g., tzedakah: “Give a coin!”; Shabbat: “Light candles!”). Use corners, furniture, or mats as “houses.”
  • Parents: Call out the first mitzvah and point to a corner, then let kids run it independently, only suggesting new mitzvot as needed.

Setup (Before Shabbat):

  • No props needed. Optionally, place a non-muktze toy (e.g., stuffed animal) in each corner as a “person” receiving the mitzvah.
  • Clear a safe space for running (e.g., living room).
  • Time: 1 minute to prepare.

4. Beit Hamikdash Builders

Description: Kids pretend to be builders of the Beit Hamikdash, “constructing” it by stacking pillows or toys and acting as kohanim, singers, or guards, moving around the “Temple.”

How to Play:

  • Say: “We’re building the Beit Hamikdash for Hashem!” Point to a spot for the “Temple” (e.g., a rug).
  • Kids stack 3–5 pillows or toys to “build.” Then assign roles: 6-year-old is a kohen (pretends to light the menorah), 4-year-old is a singer (hums or sings “Hallelu”), 2-year-old is a guard (marches or claps).
  • Encourage movement: “Walk to the altar!” or “Sing as you circle the Temple!” Kids can rebuild or switch roles after 5 minutes.
  • Parents: Point to the building spot and suggest one role, then let kids play freely, only stepping in to restart if they stall.

Setup (Before Shabbat):

  • Gather 3–5 non-muktze items (e.g., small pillows, stuffed animals, or soft blocks) in one spot. If no props, kids can pretend to stack.
  • Choose a clear area for the “Temple.”
  • Time: 3 minutes to prepare.

5. Avraham’s Tent

Description: Kids pretend to be Avraham and Sarah welcoming guests to their tent, running to “greet” imaginary guests and “serving” food or water while acting out chesed.

How to Play:

  • Say: “You’re Avraham and Sarah, inviting guests to your tent!” Designate a “tent” (e.g., a corner or under a table).
  • Kids run or walk to “greet” guests (e.g., a chair or stuffed animal), saying “Shalom!” or “Come eat!” Then they “serve” by pretending to bring water or bread.
  • Roles: 6-year-old is Avraham (leads greetings), 4-year-old is Sarah (serves food), 2-year-old is a guest (sits or claps). Switch roles every 3–4 minutes.
  • Encourage movement: “Run to the tent door!” or “Bring water to the guest!”
  • Parents: Name the first guest (e.g., “Here comes a traveler!”), then let kids continue independently, only suggesting new guests if needed.

Setup (Before Shabbat):

  • No props needed. Optionally, place 1–2 non-muktze items (e.g., stuffed animal as a guest, toy plate for “food”) in the “tent” area.
  • Choose a corner or space for the “tent.”
  • Time: 2 minutes to prepare.

6. Exodus March

Description: Kids pretend to be the Jewish people leaving Egypt, marching through the “desert” and crossing the “Red Sea” while acting out roles like Moshe, Miriam, or Israelites.

How to Play:

  • Briefly describe the Exodus (1 minute): “Moshe led the Jews out of Egypt, and the sea split!”
  • Assign roles: 6-year-old as Moshe (leads the march, raises arms to “split” the sea), 4-year-old as Miriam (dances or claps), 2-year-old as an Israelite (follows and waves arms).
  • Kids march around the room, pretending to carry matzah or walk through the desert. At the “sea” (e.g., a rug), they pause, and Moshe “splits” it by raising arms; all cheer and cross.
  • Continue marching, singing “Shabbat Shalom” or chanting “We’re free!” Switch roles after 5–7 minutes if desired.
  • Parents: Start by naming roles and pointing to the “sea,” then watch, suggesting a new action (e.g., “Sing like Miriam!”) only if needed.

Setup (Before Shabbat):

  • No props needed. Optionally, place a non-muktze item (e.g., blue scarf or toy matzah) on a rug as the “sea” or “matzah.”
  • Clear a safe path for marching (e.g., living room).
  • Time: 2 minutes to prepare.

7. Yosef’s Dream Court

Description: Kids act out Yosef’s rise to power in Egypt, pretending to be Yosef, Pharaoh, or servants, moving around a “palace” to interpret dreams or give orders.

How to Play:

  • Summarize Yosef’s story (1 minute): “Yosef told Pharaoh’s dreams and became a leader!”
  • Assign roles: 6-year-old as Yosef (stands tall, “interprets” a dream by saying, “It means food!”), 4-year-old as Pharaoh (sits on a “throne” like a chair, gives orders), 2-year-old as a servant (brings “food” by walking with arms out).
  • Kids move around: Yosef walks to Pharaoh, Pharaoh points and asks for a dream, servants “serve.” Act out for 3–4 minutes, then switch roles.
  • Encourage movement: “Walk to the throne!” or “Serve the king!”
  • Parents: Suggest the first dream (e.g., “Pharaoh dreams of cows!”), then let kids play, stepping in only to switch roles.

Setup (Before Shabbat):

  • No props needed. Optionally, set a non-muktze toy (e.g., stuffed animal) on a chair as “Pharaoh’s court.”
  • Designate a “throne” area (e.g., a chair or cushion).
  • Time: 2 minutes to prepare.

8. David’s Shepherd Camp

Description: Kids pretend to be David as a young shepherd, guarding “sheep” and preparing to fight Goliath, running to “protect” or “sing” psalms.

How to Play:

  • Tell David’s story (1 minute): “David watched sheep and fought a giant!”
  • Assign roles: 6-year-old as David (runs to “guard” sheep, pretends to sling a stone), 4-year-old as a sheep (crawls or baas), 2-year-old as another sheep (follows or claps).
  • Kids act out: David circles the “sheep,” then “fights” Goliath by running to a spot and throwing an imaginary stone. All cheer. Add singing (e.g., “Hallelu” as David’s psalms).
  • Switch roles after 5 minutes or replay with new actions (e.g., David plays a harp).
  • Parents: Point to the “sheep” area and start David’s action, then watch, suggesting a new scene if needed.

Setup (Before Shabbat):

  • No props needed. Optionally, place 1–2 non-muktze stuffed animals as “sheep” in a corner.
  • Clear a small “field” area (e.g., rug).
  • Time: 1 minute to prepare.

9. Esther’s Palace Party

Description: Kids act out the Purim story, pretending to be Esther, Mordechai, or guests at a royal feast, moving to “plan” the Jews’ rescue or “celebrate.”

How to Play:

  • Summarize Purim (1 minute): “Esther saved the Jews with a big party!”
  • Assign roles: 6-year-old as Esther (walks regally, “speaks” to the king), 4-year-old as Mordechai (marches proudly), 2-year-old as a guest (dances or claps).
  • Kids move: Esther walks to the “king” (e.g., a chair), Mordechai “plans” by pacing, guests dance in a circle. Act out saving the Jews, then celebrate with a “feast” (pretend eating).
  • Switch roles after 4–5 minutes. Add a cheer: “Shabbat Shalom for Purim!”
  • Parents: Name the first action (e.g., “Esther goes to the king!”), then let kids continue, only suggesting new roles if stalled.

Setup (Before Shabbat):

  • No props needed. Optionally, place a non-muktze item (e.g., toy crown or scarf) on a chair as the “palace.”
  • Designate a “feast” area (e.g., a rug).
  • Time: 2 minutes to prepare.

10. Jonah’s Big Fish Adventure

Description: Kids pretend to be Yona (Jonah) and sailors on a ship, “sailing” and “swimming” in a big fish, moving to act out praying or preaching.

How to Play:

  • Share Yona’s story (1 minute): “Yona was in a fish and prayed to Hashem!”
  • Assign roles: 6-year-old as Yona (runs to “pray” in the fish), 4-year-old as a sailor (rocks like on a boat), 2-year-old as the fish (wiggles or claps).
  • Kids act out: Sailors “row” by swaying, Yona “jumps” into the sea (jumps in place), then “prays” in the fish (kneels or claps). End with Yona “preaching” by walking and calling out.
  • Switch roles after 5 minutes or replay with Yona in Nineveh.
  • Parents: Start by saying, “The storm is coming!” then watch, suggesting the next scene (e.g., “Yona prays!”) only if needed.

Setup (Before Shabbat):

  • No props needed. Optionally, place a non-muktze blanket or pillow as the “fish” or “ship.”
  • Clear a small “sea” area (e.g., floor space).
  • Time: 1 minute to prepare.

11. Avraham’s Star Journey

Description: Kids pretend to be Avraham and his family following Hashem’s call to a new land, “traveling” under the stars and setting up a “camp” with movement and chants.

How to Play:

  • Briefly share Avraham’s story (1 minute): “Hashem told Avraham to go to a new land and count the stars!”
  • Assign roles: 6-year-old as Avraham (leads the “journey,” pointing to imaginary stars), 4-year-old as Sarah (carries “luggage” by swinging arms), 2-year-old as a traveler (follows and claps).
  • Kids march around the room, pretending to walk through deserts or look at stars. They stop to “set up camp” (e.g., sit in a circle) and chant “Hashem is with us!”
  • Switch roles after 5–6 minutes or add a new “stop” (e.g., meeting guests).
  • Parents: Start by saying, “Avraham, follow the stars!” and point to a “camp” spot, then watch, suggesting a new action (e.g., “Make a tent!”) only if needed.

Setup (Before Shabbat):

  • No props needed. Optionally, place a non-muktze item (e.g., small pillow as a “tent”) in a corner.
  • Clear a safe path for marching (e.g., living room).
  • Time: 1 minute to prepare.

12. Miriam’s Sea Dance

Description: Kids act out Miriam leading the women in song and dance after the Red Sea split, twirling and marching to celebrate freedom.

How to Play:

  • Summarize the story (1 minute): “Miriam sang and danced when the sea split for the Jews!”
  • Assign roles: 6-year-old as Miriam (leads by spinning or waving arms), 4-year-old as a dancer (twirls or claps), 2-year-old as another dancer (sways or jumps).
  • Kids march in a circle, then “dance” by spinning or hopping, singing “Shabbat Shalom” or “Miriam’s Song” (humming a tune). Pause to “cross the sea” (step over a rug).
  • Switch roles after 4–5 minutes or repeat with more dancing.
  • Parents: Start by saying, “Miriam, lead the dance!” then watch, suggesting a new move (e.g., “Wave like the sea!”) if needed.

Setup (Before Shabbat):

  • No props needed. Optionally, place a non-muktze blue scarf or toy on the floor as the “sea.”
  • Clear a space for dancing (e.g., living room).
  • Time: 1 minute to prepare.

13. Shlomo’s Wise Court

Description: Kids pretend to be King Shlomo solving disputes in his court, walking to a “throne” and acting as judges, advisors, or visitors with wise decisions.

How to Play:

  • Tell Shlomo’s story (1 minute): “Shlomo was a wise king who solved problems!”
  • Assign roles: 6-year-old as Shlomo (sits on a “throne” like a chair, says wise ideas like “Share the toy!”), 4-year-old as an advisor (stands and nods), 2-year-old as a visitor (walks to the throne and claps).
  • Kids act out: Visitors walk to Shlomo, advisors “whisper” ideas (wave hands), Shlomo decides. Encourage movement: “Walk to the court!” or “March like a king!”
  • Switch roles after 5 minutes or invent a new “problem” (e.g., “Who gets the apple?”).
  • Parents: Suggest the first problem (e.g., “Two people want the same toy!”), then let kids play, stepping in only for new roles.

Setup (Before Shabbat):

  • No props needed. Optionally, set a non-muktze cushion or toy crown on a chair as the “throne.”
  • Designate a “court” area (e.g., corner with a chair).
  • Time: 2 minutes to prepare.

14. Yaakov’s Ladder Climb

Description: Kids pretend to be Yaakov dreaming of a ladder to heaven, “climbing” and acting as angels or Yaakov’s family, moving up and down an imaginary ladder.

How to Play:

  • Share Yaakov’s story (1 minute): “Yaakov dreamed of a ladder with angels going up and down!”
  • Assign roles: 6-year-old as Yaakov (pretends to sleep, then “climbs” by stepping high), 4-year-old as an angel (flaps arms and walks), 2-year-old as another angel (waves hands or jumps).
  • Kids act out: Yaakov “sleeps” (sits), then all “climb” the ladder by stepping or waving arms in place. Angels “fly” by circling. Chant “Up to Hashem!”
  • Switch roles after 4–5 minutes or add a “new dream.”
  • Parents: Start by saying, “Yaakov sees the ladder!” then watch, suggesting a new action (e.g., “Angels, fly higher!”) if needed.

Setup (Before Shabbat):

  • No props needed. Optionally, place a non-muktze blanket as Yaakov’s “bed” or a toy as the “ladder.”
  • Clear a small area for “climbing” (e.g., rug).
  • Time: 1 minute to prepare.

15. Eliyahu’s Miracle Mission

Description: Kids pretend to be Eliyahu the prophet performing miracles, running to “help” people or “fly” in a fiery chariot while acting as Eliyahu or helpers.

How to Play:

  • Summarize Eliyahu’s story (1 minute): “Eliyahu did miracles and went to heaven in a chariot!”
  • Assign roles: 6-year-old as Eliyahu (runs to “help” by pointing or praying), 4-year-old as a helper (carries “food” by swinging arms), 2-year-old as a person helped (claps or waves).
  • Kids move: Eliyahu runs to a “village” (e.g., a corner), helpers follow, all act out a miracle (e.g., “Bring oil!”). End with Eliyahu “flying” (jumping in place).
  • Switch roles after 5–6 minutes or add a new miracle (e.g., “Stop the rain!”).
  • Parents: Start by saying, “Eliyahu, help the people!” then watch, suggesting a new miracle if needed.

Setup (Before Shabbat):

  • No props needed. Optionally, place a non-muktze toy (e.g., stuffed animal) in a corner as a “person” to help.
  • Clear a safe space for running (e.g., living room).
  • Time: 1 minute to prepare.