King David and the Spider

ABOUT THE BOOK
FAMILY ACTIVITIES

Written by: Ephraim Sidon / Illustrated by: Danny Kerman / Publisher: Keter

Distribution: March 2017

We often look at the wonderful world around us and wonder: “What is the use of such a wide range of creatures?” The story about King David and the Spider focuses on this very question!

A modern rendition of an ancient tale, first printed in the book entitled The Alphabet of Ben Sirach, first printed in Constantinople in 1500, as well as in the collection of stories by Hayim Nahman Bialik entitled Vayehi Hayom.

Family Activities

We often look at the wonderful world around us and wonder: "What is the use of such a wide range of creatures?" The story about King David and the Spider focuses on this very question!

Classroom Activities

Video

We often look at the wonderful world around us and wonder: "What is the use of such a wide range of creatures?" The story about King David and the Spider focuses on this very question!

It is based on a tale found in the book entitled The Alphabet of Ben Sirach, first printed in Constantinople in 1500, as well as in the collection of stories by Hayim Nahman Bialik entitled Vayehi Hayom.

"… for there is no man who has not his hour, and no thing that has not its place" (Ethics of the Fathers, 4:3)

"Every creature is of use" – even the smallest. Each creature is unique, and has its own wonderful skills, a special contribution it alone can make to the world.

Sometimes we need to remind children that they too can contribute and help. Their presence and talents are special and essential, "every creature is of use", and children are certainly very useful. We should encourage them to believe in their capabilities, and their ability to contribute to their home, family, and indeed society.

פעילות בחיק המשפחה

You may enjoy looking through Danny Kerman's illustrations throughout the book together. Can your child tell you the storyline just by looking at the series of illustrations?
As a young boy, David enjoyed going for walks and getting to know the various creatures, as well as finding out their contribution to the You could go for a walk around the neighborhood with your child, look around and enjoy your surroundings, while asking each other questions such as: how do the trees, flowers, clouds, and creatures we see on the way contribute to our world?
You may enjoy playing the game called "We need you in the world": each player in turn names an object or animal, and together all players try to give as many reasons as possible for its necessity in the world.
Have your children ever seen cobwebs? You could look for them in stairwells, neglected corners, and storage areas. You could also look for the spider, and perhaps even see how it spins its web!
Using string or wool, you may want to make your own cobweb. In nature, cobwebs are white. What color would you like yours to be?
This story is based on a tale about David as a young boy, before he became King of Israel. Do you know any other stories about King David? You may want to share them with your child.