The Magic Flute and the Dancing Sheep

Discussion

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Following the childhood story the father tells his child in this book, you could also share memories and stories from your own childhood with your child: Where did you grow up? What did you like doing? Which songs and stories accompanied you? What were your hobbies? Did you have any household chores or special roles to play within your family? Perhaps you had some pets?

You could also look at the illustrations in the book, choose your favorite one, and share your choice with each other.

A family story

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How about asking some family members to share their stories of life transitions with you? Which countries have they lived in? how did they end up in Israel, and how was their absorption? Did they move into a new community upon making Aliyah? You could act the stories you were told out, or tell them using a song and dance.

A magical tune

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Melodies can have a profound effect on us. In the spirit of this book, you could listen to different tunes together, close your eyes, “enter” the melody, and dance to it.

Jerusalem of Gold

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At the end of the book, Jerusalem is depicted as golden, just as it was in the Ethiopian immigrants’ dreams. The phrase ‘Jerusalem of Gold’ was mentioned in Jewish scripture as the name of the golden jewel that Rabbi Akiva gave his wife, etched with the image of Jerusalem. Inspired by it, Naomi Shemer wrote the lyrics and music to her song, so entitled, which became one of the most well-known and loved Israeli songs. Perhaps you could ask your child why they think Jerusalem was called that, listen to the famous song together, or play it as an ensemble.

Pinterest

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Suggestions for enriching, creative arts & crafts and other activities can be found on the The Magic Flute and the Dancing Sheep board on the PJLibrary Pinterest page