Ark Adventures
Shabbat comes to life as an enchanting theatrical journey for young children and their families.
Climb aboard the ark for this unique, multi-sensory musical Shabbat experience for 0-4-year-olds and their grownups. Brought to life by a crew of artist-educators and musicians trained in Sensory Theater, Ark Adventures transforms “Tot Shabbat” into a theatrical adventure with puppetry, a mix of original and traditional music, and hands-on play.
In this unique participatory theatrical experience, Children are given animal ears and “board” the ark to imagine sailing on the water to celebrate Shabbat together. A puppet dove is sent out of the ark and returns with the Torah, bringing the week’s story to explore. Finally, the ark “travels back home” to find a rainbow and welcome in the new week.
Ark Adventures is in residence at Congregation Beth Shalom in Northbrook, Illinois.
Big News! Ark Adventures is coming to Boston and Toronto.
The K’ilu Company is training artist-educators to lead the Ark Adventures program in Boston (at Temple Isaiah and Temple Shalom of Newton) and Toronto (with First Foundations Jewish Community Preschools)..This pilot project is made possible through generous support from The Covenant Foundation and Combined Jewish Philanthropies.
All aboard the ark!
Watch this video to learn more about the Ark Adventures experience and get a sneak peek at the program in action.
"Ark Adventures has changed the way Judaism comes into our home and the way our kids think about synagogue.
It has turned Shabbat morning into the highlight of the week. We all get there with so much excitement - and the constant creativity and interactions make coming to Shul feel new again. Our children love all the sensory and interactive opportunities to touch and feel things. They can't wait for the characters that come alive. You can see the joy light up their faces. During weeks when we don't have Ark Adventures, we listen to the music and have family dance parties at home.
It has become part of our lives."
— Ark Adventures Parent
