Thinkabara

🕯️ Shabbat family treasure hunt

Google Classroom

A relaxed, screen-free treasure hunt that suits the Shabbat mood, with just clues on paper. The clues follow Shabbat customs, from the candlesticks to the afternoon nap, and end with a treasure under the sofa.

Before you start

  • Print the clues, fold each one, and hide it in the spot the clue before it points to. Hand the first clue to the kids to start.
  • The clue by the candlesticks is hidden and found only before candle lighting, never near lit candles.
  • Want to play on Shabbat itself? Prepare and hide all the clues on Friday.

The clues (cut along the dashed lines)

  1. Clue 1
    Every Friday night two candles are lit on me, Look close beside me, before they're lit, you see!
  2. Clue 2
    Two sweet challahs are hiding under me, Lift me up gently, and what will you see?
  3. Clue 3
    We drink wine or grape juice from me for kiddush, Look right beside me, there's no need to rush!
  4. Clue 4
    Around me the family sings songs and eats, Look under the Shabbat table, past all the seats!
  5. Clue 5
    We dress up for Shabbat in our very best, Look in the closet with the clothes neatly pressed!
  6. Clue 6
    On Shabbat afternoon we read and we rest, Look on the bookshelf, you're passing the test!
  7. Clue 7
    A Shabbat afternoon nap is the sweetest of all, Lift up the pillow, the clue's very small!
  8. Clue 8
    Shabbat Shalom! Your journey's almost done, Look under the sofa, a surprise for everyone!
Show the answers (for the grown-up)
  1. Next to the candlesticks (before candle lighting)
  2. Under the challah cover
  3. Next to the kiddush cup
  4. Under the Shabbat table
  5. In the clothes closet
  6. On the bookshelf
  7. Under a pillow
  8. Under the sofa

Answer key (for the grown-up)

  1. Next to the candlesticks (before candle lighting)
  2. Under the challah cover
  3. Next to the kiddush cup
  4. Under the Shabbat table
  5. In the clothes closet
  6. On the bookshelf
  7. Under a pillow
  8. Under the sofa

The treasure

A new family board game, or a Shabbat cake that everyone shares.

Questions and answers

Can you play a treasure hunt on Shabbat?

Many families do. Print and hide all the clues before Shabbat starts, so the game itself needs no preparation.

What age is the Shabbat hunt for?

Ages 4 to 9 enjoy it most. Older siblings can read the clues aloud to the younger ones.

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