Passover text based art

This is an individual activity that can be enhanced by doing it in a group and discussing the end results of what each participant created.

The goal of this activity is to create a deeper connection to the Passover story and its importance for the Jewish people, while focusing on the text from the Haggadah and individual artistic interpretations of the story and themes of the holiday: exodus, slavery, freedom, becoming the Nation of Israel, sovereignty in the land of Israel.

Creating this art will help participants connect intuitively. Discussing what was created will help deepen this connection by adding another layer of understanding and awareness to this experience.

SUPPLIES

• Copy/sketch paper
• Pencils, colored pencils
• Pens/ultra fine point markers/pens
• Watercolor paper for final image (optional)
• Watercolor paint & appropriate painting supplies (optional)
• Haggadah

STEPS TO CREATING YOUR ISRAEL INSPIRED PASSOVER TEXT BASED ART

1. Use your white paper to sketch the outline of your interpretation of the Passover story. It can be any part(s) of the Passover story that you wish to depict or something that symbolizes one of the Passover themes.
   
   If you need inspiration you can peruse different images of the Passover story. Over the centuries countless pieces of artwork have been inspired by the Passover story. Often Haggadot are filled with artwork that can also serve as inspiration.
2. Open your favorite Haggadah, and select the prayers, songs, quotes and/or parts of the Passover story that you want to incorporate into your artwork. These are some examples you can choose from:
   
   
   
   
3. Think about how that song, prayer or text relays the Passover story in words and think about how you want to draw an image that tells that part of the story. For instance, if you want to draw the Jewish people’s Exodus, you would draw waves on either side of a sandy brown long rectangular shape depicting the sea floor with or without people, etc.
4. Write what the story of our freedom means to you on a separate piece of paper and then incorporate it into your artwork by filling in the outlined designs from Step 1 with the words from your Haggadah that you selected in Step 2. Your print can be as big or small as you like and in any color. Just be sure to write slowly and lightly so you don’t make mistakes. “Write light till you get it right” . Once you know the text is all spelled correctly and is ready for the final ink, you can begin tracing your pencil lines with the ultra fine point markers/pens.
5. Now it is time to apply color to your artwork! You can paint the background of your image with watercolor paint to add a watercolor effect. If you don’t have watercolors, don’t worry! You can add color with markers, crayons or whatever else you have available to use. Did you know that even though markers may seem like they do not have any ink in them, you can place them in a mason jar filled with water and the ink will seep into the water and make your own homemade watercolor paint!
6. Sign and date your artwork.
7. Repeat! There are so many parts of the Passover story that can be drawn, painted, colored, outlined and filled in with text from the Haggadah. So create away! Before you know it, you’ll have your own illustrated Haggadah!
8. If you would like to be included in our virtual art exhibit, email photograph of your Israel inspired Passover art to Stefie@israelforever.org