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In this week’s parsha, Parshat Balak, we meet the second (and final) talking animal in the Torah (the first being the snake in Eden). The Moabite prophet Balaam is sent to curse the Israelites and his donkey sees an angel in their path. When the donkey stops, Balaam strikes him. God opens the mouth of the donkey and he complains to Balaam about his maltreatment. Finally, Balaam’s eyes are opened to see the angel.

Kids love talking animals. And, kids love puppets. So, the perfect craft for this week’s parsha is a fun donkey puppet!

Materials:

Paper lunch bag
Brown felt, foam, or construction paper
Brown yarn
Large googly eyes

Instructions:

1.    Cut out ears, face, arms, tail, and nostrils out of brown felt.
2.    Glue shapes onto paper bag.
3.    Glue on googly eyes.
4.    Cut pieces of yarn and glue them onto head and tail.
5.    Stick your hand in the bag and make your donkey talk!

Emily Shapiro Katz has been a community Jewish educator for over ten years in Jerusalem, Atlanta, and San Francisco. She lives in Beer Sheva with her husband, Andy, and their four children. Her contributions to this website reflect her interest in teaching Tanach, doing craft projects, and entertaining her kids. Emily blogs about her Parsha Projects at http://parshaprojects.blogspot.com/