Jerusalem Marketplace

The tribe of Zebulun: (B): Peter, Lizzie
(F): Levi, Ellie, Lacey, Madison, J'Sun, Luke, Bao

The last two years we have had phenomenal VBSs. Last year was the Sea of Galilee and was the same form as this year's Jerusalem Marketplace. The kids are divided into tribes for the week. They wear tunics and get to experience all about the Jewish lifestyle as it was when Jesus walked the earth.

During tribe time they learned about family traditions such as touching the mezuzah. The mezuzah was a small parchment that contained the Shema, a Jewish prayer. When leaving and/or entering the home, members would touch the mezuzah and kiss their fingers as a way to keep the prayer at the forefront of their minds. The kids even attended synagogue and wore their own yamakas.

Each day they had an opportunity to visit the marketplace where there was a candy shop, a bakery, a basket shop, a pottery shop and more. They made tamborines and shakers at the music shop and dradles at the carpentry shop. At each shop they had to pay one gold coin for the service they received. There was even a tax collector, a beggar and a fierce Roman soldier.

Throughout the week there were dramas of the disciples and people who had heard and seen Jesus. And each day we spent time talking of Jesus and the things that He taught. It was so neat to see the body of Christ come together to serve the kids. We're really looking forward to next year.

Rabbi Scott at synagogue

synagogue

the beggar

a shop in the market place

the well

roman soldier

A surprise visit from Jesus.
"Is that really Him?" uuuuhhhhh......