July 1, 2004

For the Kids

By Abby Gilad

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Watch Your Words

In this week's Torah portion, which tells the story of King Balak, the sorcerer Bilam and Bilam's talking donkey, we learn two important lessons:

1. Words are very powerful. Be careful about what comes out of your mouth. If it is a put-down or is mean-spirited, think many times about what you are saying and why you are saying it. Turn your negative words into encouraging ones.

2. Animals often sense things humans can't. The donkey saw an angel of God that Bilam could not see.

Flower- Power Flag

Create a beautiful American flag. Find red, white and blue flowers (roses, tulips, camellias, gardenias, gentians, forget-me-nots or any other flowers of those colors you can find at the flower shop). Use a large cookie sheet as your canvas on which to create your stars and stripes. It will make a great centerpiece for your family barbecue.