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As part of the team bringing the Children’s Museum of the Galilee to life, I work behind the scenes to organize, connect, and help shape a space where kids can learn, explore, and thrive. I’m passionate about this mission because I’ve seen firsthand how much our children need it. Please read on...  My first grader has never had an uninterrupted school year. From COVID closures to strikes, from the shadows of war to constant uncertainty, her journey through school has been anything but steady. Now, as I prepare to send my baby—who is starting daycare in a couple of weeks—into a new routine, I find myself wondering: Will her early years follow the same path? Will she also experience uncertainty as the norm, or will her story look different?
What if there had been a safe space—a place to explore, learn, and process emotions—during these turbulent years? A space where she could escape the constant uncertainty for even a few moments and rediscover her curiosity? That’s what the Children’s Museum of the Galilee will offer. While the museum would not replace the structure of school, its interactive, creative environment could have given her the tools to process emotions, cope with change, and rediscover stability through exploration. The Children’s Museum of the Galilee - a STEAM museum—focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math. Research has consistently shown that integrating STEAM learning into a child’s early years can have profound effects on their cognitive development, resilience, and emotional well-being. STEAM education fosters creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving by allowing children to explore challenges in a hands-on and supportive way. Play and learning environments like museums create opportunities to experiment, to ask questions, and to connect academic concepts with real-world experiences, all while having fun. These kinds of experiences can act as protective buffers against stress and instability, helping children build adaptability and confidence. Imagine what it might have meant for my first grader to have had access to these STEAM learning opportunities through the Children’s Museum of the Galilee. A place where she could build a bridge, try out physics concepts through play, explore engineering through hands-on challenges, or learn about art as a way to process emotions and build confidence. The benefits would extend beyond creativity—they would provide tools for self-expression, problem-solving, and confidence in their learning journey. As I look at my daughter—and my youngest—I hold on to the hope that their story will be different. That with spaces like the Children’s Museum of the Galilee, the children of the north will grow up surrounded not by chaos, but by creativity and discovery. Not defined by the challenges they face, but by the opportunities they are given. Let’s empower every child with creativity and hope so they can forge their own path to endless possibilities. Join us in building a brighter future. Your support can transform uncertainty into opportunity. Donate now to help bring the Children’s Museum of the Galilee to life—a safe, creative space where every child can dream, explore, and thrive. Together, we can give our children the foundation to rediscover their curiosity and forge their own path to endless possibilities. Donate - Children's Museum of the Galilee https://childrensmuseums.org/2018/12/11/results-from-a-study-of-play/ Unlocking Potential: Early Childhood Education and How Children’s Museums Play a Crucial Role - Omaha Children's Museum
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Exciting news! The caravan for our Mobile MakerSpace is officially ready for delivery, and our talented graphic designer, Yael is hard at work creating the vibrant exterior design that will inspire joy and curiosity wherever it goes. This is not just a caravan—it’s a symbol of possibility. Once completed, the Mobile MakerSpace will travel across Northern Israel, bringing hands-on, interactive learning opportunities directly to children in communities where resources like this have never existed. Imagine children’s faces lighting up as they step into a world of creativity, discovery, and play—a space designed just for them to tinker, invent, and explore. With your continued support, this vision is coming to life. Here’s what’s next:
Stay tuned as we unveil the final design and take the next steps toward launching the Mobile MakerSpace. Together, we’re making creativity mobile and accessible to the children who need it most. Thank you for being part of this incredible mission! Want to get involved? Help us bring the Mobile MakerSpace to life by donating or sharing our story. Every bit of support fuels this journey of innovation, imagination, and hope for the children of Northern Israel.  As the season of Thanksgiving fills our hearts with warmth, we at the Children’s Museum of the Galilee find ourselves reflecting on the true essence of gratitude. This year, our thoughts turn to the children who inspire our mission every day. Children remind us to see the world with awe and wonder. Their unfiltered joy, endless curiosity, and boundless energy are daily lessons in love, hope, and resilience. They encourage us to dream bigger, to believe in the impossible, and to embrace life with a sense of playfulness and purpose. At the heart of our work lies a commitment to nurturing these qualities. The Children’s Museum of the Galilee was founded with a vision: to create a space where every child can thrive, dream, and discover. For the children of the north, the museum will serve as a haven of learning, imagination, and connection. This Thanksgiving, we are profoundly grateful to our donors and supporters who have embraced this vision. Your generosity ensures that we can bring this dream to life, building a place where children are free to explore their potential. Each contribution, no matter the size, plays a vital role in fostering a future filled with play, creativity, and boundless opportunities for the children we serve. In a world that can often feel divided, the simple lessons children teach us—about kindness, unity, and giving back—are more important than ever. As we come together with family and friends this season, let us remember the power of these lessons. At the Children’s Museum of the Galilee, we are committed to weaving this spirit of gratitude and love into everything we do. Together, we can build a brighter future where every child is surrounded by warmth, support, and inspiration. From all of us at the Children’s Museum of the Galilee, we wish you a Thanksgiving filled with joy, love, and the wonder that only children can bring. With heartfelt thanks, The Children’s Museum of the Galilee Team  Nature is an endless source of inspiration for children’s creativity and play. With just a few natural materials, kids can dive into the wonders of art and imagination while exploring the outdoors. Here are some simple, fun, and engaging craft ideas that turn nature into an artistic playground:
 These outdoor crafts not only stimulate creativity but also help children develop an appreciation for the natural world. When nature becomes their canvas, the artistic possibilities truly are limitless.
The world is but a canvas to the imagination.” – Henry David Thoreau At the Children’s museum of the Galilee, we believe that fostering creativity and connection with the world around us is essential for children’s growth and learning. As we work toward opening our doors, we’ll continue to share ideas and inspiration that celebrate creativity and nature. Stay tuned for more activities and insights as we move forward on our journey! Let’s nurture creativity, one leaf, rock, and flower at a time. ✨  Embracing Our Children: Guiding Them Toward a Brighter Future As we celebrate Sukkot, we reflect on the symbolism of the Sukka—a temporary shelter that protected the Israelites during their 40-year journey in the desert, reminding us of the clouds of glory that enveloped them, providing both comfort and guidance. Today, many children in the north face their own uncertainty. Their world has shifted, and they find themselves in need of safety, reassurance, and hope. At the Children’s Museum of the Galilee, our mission is clear: to create a nurturing, safe space for these children—a place where they can explore, dream, and grow. Just as the Sukka embraced our ancestors, this museum will embrace every child, providing shelter from the storm, guiding them through the journey of life with love, creativity, and support. But why is it so crucial to envelop our children in warmth and protection? Let’s explore the research that sheds light on the profound impact of nurturing environments on a child’s development. The Importance of Warmth and Security A growing body of research highlights the critical role that a child’s early environment plays in shaping their future. Attachment theory, pioneered by John Bowlby, emphasizes that children need secure, consistent, and loving care to develop into emotionally healthy adults. Children who feel secure in their surroundings are more resilient, better able to regulate their emotions, and more equipped to form healthy relationships later in life . Additionally, studies on early childhood brain development confirm that the brain is highly adaptable in the early years, and the environment during this time is pivotal. According to Dr. Bruce Perry, a specialist in childhood trauma and neurodevelopment, children nurtured in safe, stable environments develop stronger cognitive skills, emotional resilience, and a healthier overall sense of self. The warmth of a consistent, supportive environment provides children with the security they need to explore the world with confidence. The Role of Play and Community Spaces Spaces like the Children’s Museum of the Galilee are crucial in fostering these supportive environments. Play, in particular, is essential to a child’s learning, development, and emotional well-being. As Dr. Alison Gopnik, a prominent child development expert, notes, play is much more than just fun—it’s how children develop social skills, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving abilities. Community spaces like museums provide the ideal environment for this kind of play. Interactive exhibits allow children to engage their creativity, curiosity, and imagination while feeling safe and supported. These hands-on experiences stimulate cognitive growth, while the supportive atmosphere helps children feel comfortable expressing themselves freely. Studies show that creative play environments not only promote learning but also provide a sense of comfort and belonging. In spaces like museums, where children can interact with their surroundings, they build not just knowledge but also a stronger sense of self-confidence and emotional intelligence. A Vision for the Future At the Children’s Museum of the Galilee, we are committed to creating a space where children from all walks of life feel safe, loved, and empowered to reach their full potential. Just as the Sukka provided protection to our ancestors, our museum will be a place of shelter and growth—a refuge where children can dream, explore, and thrive, despite the challenges that surround them. In this space, the children of the north will find joy, curiosity, and hope, even in uncertain times. Together, we will create a community where children are embraced, nurtured, and guided toward a future filled with possibility. Now, more than ever, it is essential that we come together to envelop our children in warmth and protection, ensuring that they have the tools they need to shine. Just as the clouds of glory once guided our ancestors, we must be the ones to guide our children toward brighter, better days. --- Sources: 1. Bowlby, J. (1988). *A Secure Base: Parent-Child Attachment and Healthy Human Development.* London: Routledge. 2. Perry, B.D., Pollard, R.A., Blakley, T.L., Baker, W.L., & Vigilante, D. (1995). Childhood trauma, the neurobiology of adaptation, and “use-dependent” development of the brain: How “states” become “traits.” *Infant Mental Health Journal*, 16(4), 271-291. 3. Gopnik, A., Meltzoff, A. N., & Kuhl, P. K. (1999). *The Scientist in the Crib: What Early Learning Tells Us About the Mind*. New York: HarperCollins. 4. Perry, B. D. (2006). Applying principles of neurodevelopment to clinical work with maltreated and traumatized children. In N. Boyd Webb (Ed.), *Working with traumatized youth in child welfare* (pp. 27-52). Guilford Press. 5. Bowlby, J. (1969). *Attachment and Loss, Vol. 1: Attachment*. New York: Basic Books. Wow, what an exciting week!
Laya, our incredible Museum founder, started the week with an inspiring trip to the Nas Daily Summit in Tel Aviv. The energy and ideas were truly electrifying and networking brought us new friends! Even Nusier Yassin (AKA Nas Daily) is now familiar with our work!. The next day, our museum's management team headed to Haifa for the prestigious Harvey Awards ceremony honoring Nobel laureate Dr. Drew Weissman. Dr. Weissman and his wife, Dr. Mary Ellen, are steadfast supporters of our museum. The Weissmans are not just dear friends but also visionary philanthropists dedicated to positively impacting the world. But that's not all! We also had a luncheon with the Weissmans, our award-winning architect David Knafo, and some board members, including Dr. Eli Kalfon, a cardiologist at Naharia Hospital. The excitement was palpable as we talked all about our vision and plans for the future. Our CEO, Eli Moskovitz, serving in the IDF reserves since the war broke out, joined a tour with other highly decorated reserve officers at the Nova site and other places that were attacked on October 7th, showing our unwavering support and commitment to those communities. We are passionately networking, building, and reaching out to private donors, foundations, and some business people to create the future Children's Museum of the Galilee. Together, we are making dreams come true! Stay tuned for more updates on this incredible journey. In the meantime, do you have friends who would consider becoming part of our community to impact the lives of kids in Northern Israel? Please reach out to us to set up a short Zoom call and hear firsthand about the mobile unit. With the hard times facing so many, we can look to the message of the new moon (and new month on the Hebrew calendar). We only see a sliver of light. So much is concealed. But we know for sure that the whole moon is there even when we don’t see it. And we know it will shine fully again. As we say in Hebrew, “Chodesh tov.” May it be a time of renewal and light. Celebrating Resilience and Renewal: The Children's Museum of the Galilee's Vision for Unity and Hope4/14/2024 Passover's timeless values of freedom, resilience, and renewal resonate deeply with us especially in these times of uncertainty. At the Children's Museum of the Galilee, we are dedicated to fostering an environment where children can learn, explore, and grow. Through immersive experiences and interactive exhibits, we are planning the infrastructure to provide a space for children to share their own narratives and find inspiration in the wonders of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. |
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Children's Museum of the Galilee is a not for profit organization building a place of curiosity, play, discovery, and joy for all children in Israel. Archives
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