Is there a problem to make paper puppets of the Avos and Imahos, Moshe Rabbeinu, etc. in order to teach Parsha?

 

Indeed, it is recorded that in a yechidus with Mrs. Backman (an illustrator for children’s books), the Rebbe instructed her that when drawing pictures of Tzadikim from Chumash, Nach or throughout the generations in general which we don’t know how they looked like, she should draw only a side profile and not the full face. (Kfar Chabad issue 1072)

Also, in a letter with instructions from Rabbi Chadokov to a illustrator for the Shmuasen – Talks and Tales, he writes that he should not draw pictures from Tanach but he can from Gemara. This may or may not be directives from the Rebbe. (Teshura Rapport – Man pg. 72)

Although there is room to say that puppets without any real characteristics is different, it would be proper make such puppets without a full face, mostly covered with a Talis or something similar.

An additional point, In a Yechidus with a producer of a show which was playing out stories of the Avos, the Rebbe said that one must be especially careful how they portray these stories as that is how the child would visualize it every time he learns the story. (Kfar Chabad issue 860)

This should be kept in mind when teaching the Parsha to young children.

 

 

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