The purpose of Bet Hamikra is to bring together the world of Bible stories and the world of children in kindergarten and the lower grades, in both secular and religious settings. Bet Hamikra was established through the initiative of Dr. Yosef Levi, former Central Region Director of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport of the State of Israel. The facility was constructed by the Municipal Education Division of the city of Ramat Gan headed by Mr. Moshe Bodaga. Bet Hamikra serves children from kindergarten through third grade.

Children visit Bet Hamikra after listening to Bible stories in class. The unique methods used to stimulate and enrich the children are based on the children's own prior knowledge. They enter the world of Bible stories by means of dramatization aided by decor and lighting, exhibits, costumes, music, movement and play activities. Wherever possible children are encouraged to play the part of characters in the stories, so that they are active participants rather than onlookers. These methods involve the children in the inner world of the Biblical personalities, serving to emphasize their moral values and attributes.

BIBLE STORY WALL View enlarged

Before visiting Bet Hamikra the teacher chooses the story that the children will experience and receives materials to be used in preparation for the visit. When they arrive, the children are welcomed by Abraham and invited into Abraham's Tent, where they are divided into two groups. One group experiences the story chosen by their teacher while the other enjoys games and activities related to the story in a separate space (after an hour the groups switch). Two classes visit Bet Hamikra every day, one from 8:30-10:30 and one from 11:00-13:00.

Bet Hamikra consists of three separate spaces:
Ulam Bereshit - Genesis Hall
Hasadna - Games Workshop
Cheder Mifgash - The Meeting Room

ACTOR IN ACTION View enlarged

THE FLOOD
The children meet Noah who retells his story with their help. After donning animal costumes, the children enter Noah's Ark and the rain begins. The experience of the flood is based on the biblical text and is accompanied by the use of a variety of audio visual aids. When it is time to leave, the children accompany Noah out of the Ark on his mission to build a better, more beautiful world, and they discuss the significance of the rainbow and the covenant.

ABRAHAM AND HIS VISITORS
With the help of hand puppets, Abraham shares the story of his journey. The children play the roles of helpers to Abraham and Sarah as they get ready to receive the three special guests who have come to Abraham's tent. They participate in events as the story unfolds, and through the use of music and movement they celebrate the birth of
Yitzchak.

WORKSHOP GAMES View enlarged

RIVKA AND THE SERVANT
An actor manipulating child-sized puppets narrates Eliezer's mission. The children participate as his companions, guiding the camels on the journey to Aram Naharaim. When they arrive at the well, the children assist the biblical characters in their tasks. At the home of Betuel the children help persuade Betuel and Laban to give their permission for Rivka to marry Yitzhak, and they accompany her and her caravan of camels on the way to Canaan. Upon arrival they participate in the wedding. 00

WAY STATIONS IN THE LIFE OF JAKOB
Play and movement are the primary tools used to help the children understand the fundamental differences between Jacob and Esau and the nature of their relationship after Jacob receives the blessing intended for his brother. The children accompany Jacob as he flees to Haran; at Bet El they pretend to be angels, encouraging him by means of song and dance. At the well in Haran they become shepherds who impart information to Jacob and rejoice with him when he encounters Rachel. They are guests in Laban's home, participate in Jacob's wedding, and witness Laban's deceit. Later they help Jacob and his family flee to Canaan. At Nahal Jabbok they re-enact Jacob's encampment before he meets Esau, and they witness the reconciliation between the two brothers.

The games and activities expand on certain aspects of the various stories in Bereshit (Genesis). Each task requires the cooperation of every member of the group. This prevents rivalry and fosters a sense of collective responsibility. Each group is guided by a madricha, and participates in three or four different activities.

TEACHERS AT PLAY View enlarged

NOAH'S ARK View enlarged

Bet Hamikra also serves as an in-service training center for teachers. There is a library and a reading room.