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In this week’s Parsha, Parshat Vayigash, Joseph dramatically reveals his true identity to his brothers.Until this point, the brothers did not recognize him because – according to the Midrash – he dressed in elaborate Egyptian clothes.

This is an opportunity to talk to our children about what our clothing says about our own identity and what customs we assume from the non-Jewish culture. In this craft, the children can pretend to be Joseph by wearing an Egyptian mask and then – walla! – remove it when they want to reveal their true identity!

Materials:

Cardboard (cereal box is great)
Scissors
Glue
Markers and crayons
String
Glitter or gold foil paper
Blue foam sheet

Instructions: 

1)   Cut head shape out of cardboard. Cut out eyes and mouth.

2)   Outline eyes, nose, and mouth with marker. Color mask with brown crayon.

3)   Cut headdress out of blue foam and glue onto back of cardboard.

4)   Decorate headdress with foil, markers, or glitter.

5)   Attach string to the back of the mask so you can wear it and remove it.

 

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/