INTRODUCTION:

Puzzles are a great way to focus your mind and energy on a task, while still being able to socialize with those around you.  The goal of this program is to take the popular activity of puzzling and combine that with Jewish learning and a Jewish framework.  A fun finger food snack, like a popcorn bar allows for munching during the program 

MATERIALS:

• 1 or 2 Jewish themed puzzles (Note: a 500-piece puzzle takes about 1hr (ish) to complete with 4 people) 
• Popcorn bar and plates – Here’s some inspiration 
• Table to work on 
• Pens/pencils for puzzle book 

PROGRAM OUTLINE (1-1.5 hours):

• [part one] Welcome 
• [part two] Work on puzzles, interweave Jewish content 
• [part three] Clean up and wrap up

Part One: Welcome

• Welcome everyone and explain how the evening works.  If you have more than 1 puzzle, make sure everyone has a place/group to work with. 
• Ask about different puzzle strategies (Do you separate by color/theme, do border first, etc?) 
• Invite everyone to grab popcorn throughout the program 

Part Two: Work on puzzles, interweave Jewish content 

• For those that prefer pen and paper puzzles, they can stretch their mind using the book of Jewish puzzles. 
• For those who enjoy jigsaw puzzles, work on a puzzle together and interweave Jewish content.  Here are a few Jewish puzzle suggestions: 
  • Jewish food themed puzzle and here are learning sheets for Matzah ball soup, Kugel, Coffee.  Another idea for this is to have everyone “claim” one Jewish food on the puzzle and have them debate it’s merits as you work.     
  • Marc Chagall puzzle and interesting facts about Marc Chagall. 
  • Hamsa puzzle and fun facts about putting a Hamsa in your home.  Also, Hamsa’s relate to how Jews are a superstitious people.   

Part Three: Clean up and wrap up

• Clean up and wrap up.   
  • Reflect on what part the content of the puzzles plays in their enjoyment?  Whether they like puzzling alone or together better?