Parsha Studio: Para Aduma Craft & Science

Hi Boys and Girls! Welcome back to the Parsha Studio!

This week’s Parsha teaches us about the Para Aduma. The Para Aduma was a red cow that only existed during the times of the Beis Hamikdosh, so don’t go looking for it now. This cow had special powers; its ashes were used to purify someone impure. For example, if someone came in contact with a dead body, part of their purification process involved being sprinkled with these special ashes specifically by a Kohen.

Our eyes perceive colors due to special pigments that absorb light. The brain combines red, blue, and green light to create a wide range of colors. When light reflects off objects, it generates subtractive colors as objects absorb or reflect different colors. The primary subtractive colors are magenta, cyan, and yellow, and the secondary ones are red, blue, and green. For instance, red marker ink absorbs blue and green light, allowing only red light to return to our eyes. Similarly, a red filter only permits red light to pass through. Today, let’s conduct an experiment to create our own red filter. The end result will seem like a magic trick. Can you guess the color we’ll be using to draw our Para Adumah? With this technique, you’ll be able to share secret messages and codes. Isn’t that fascinating?

Supplies:

· Small Clear Container and Cover

· Markers: Red, Orange, Yellow and Dark Pink

· Small String or Ribbon ½ – 1 inch.

· Small Plate or Bowl

· Printed Template

· Paint Brush

· Clear Glue

· Blue Pencil

· Clear Tape

· Scissors

· Red Food Coloring

Link to specialty items:

https://amzn.to/3RmGmyD

Link to printed template:

https://www.jcm.museum/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Parah-Adumah-With-Logo.pdf

Supplies for next week:

· Permanent Markers: Black, Silver, Dark Green & Blue

· A Scraping Tool (can be a piece of cardboard)

· Liquid Water Color (or food coloring)

· Donkey Template

· Pen and Pencil

· Shaving Foam

· A Canvas

· Thin Stick

· Big Tray

· Pipettes

We would love to see how your Project turned out! Tag the @jewishchildrensmuseum on social media, or WhatsApp 718-907-8861. Don’t forget to like and subscribe!