October 7th was a day that profoundly impacted Jewish communities worldwide, leaving parents struggling with an important question: How do I talk to my kids about October 7th? Whether you are a Jewish parent, an educator, or a community leader, helping children process difficult emotions while fostering a deeper sense of Jewish identity and connection to Israel is crucial.
One effective way to approach these sensitive conversations is through David Cards, an interactive Jewish and Israel education tool designed to encourage personal reflection and meaningful dialogue. By using visual storytelling, art, and open-ended discussions, David Cards creates a safe space for children to explore their emotions, ask difficult questions, and engage with their Jewish identity in an empowering way.
Why David Cards?
David Cards is not just a Jewish card game—it’s an educational toolkit that helps children and families navigate complex emotions and foster connections to Israel and Jewish peoplehood. The set features 40 beautifully illustrated cards, each representing different perspectives on Jewish identity and Israel. These visual prompts invite conversation without requiring predetermined answers, making them ideal for helping kids process difficult topics like October 7th.
Step-by-Step Guide: Using David Cards to Talk About October 7th
1. Creating a Safe Space for Discussion
Before engaging in conversation, it is essential to establish a safe and brave space where children feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and emotions. This means:
Encouraging “radical listening”, where children feel heard without judgment.
Differentiating between freedom of speech and freedom of expression, allowing for honest yet respectful discussions.
Reassuring children that there are no right or wrong answers when discussing their feelings about difficult events.
2. Choosing the Right Card to Start the Conversation
Lay out all the David Cards and ask your child to pick a card that resonates with their emotions when thinking about October 7th.
If they struggle to choose, you can suggest a few cards and ask which one feels most relevant to their experience.
Encourage them to describe what they see in the card and how it makes them feel.
For example, a card depicting a broken Star of David might evoke feelings of sadness or fear, while a card showing Jews coming together in solidarity could bring out emotions of resilience and hope.
3. Exploring Emotions Through Art and Storytelling
David Cards is deeply rooted in art-based education, helping children express thoughts that might be difficult to verbalize. Encourage your child to:
Create their own drawing inspired by the card they chose.
Tell a story about the card, imagining what is happening in the scene and what emotions the characters might be feeling.
Describe their personal connection to the image and how it relates to their experience of being Jewish after October 7th.
4. Making Connections to Jewish Identity and Israel
October 7th has deeply affected how Jews worldwide relate to Israel and their Jewish identity. By using David Cards, children can explore their personal relationship with Israel in a way that is not ideological but experiential. Ask guiding questions such as:
What does this card tell us about being Jewish?
How does this image reflect our connection to Israel?
What do you think people in Israel are feeling when they see this image?
By personalizing the conversation, children develop a sense of agency in their Jewish journey rather than feeling like passive recipients of history.
Adapting the Conversation for Different Age Groups
For Younger Children (Ages 6-10):
Keep the conversation simple and focus on emotions rather than historical details.
Use phrases like, “Sometimes, people feel scared or sad when bad things happen. What do you think we can do to help each other feel safe?”
Allow them to express their feelings through drawing or role-playing rather than direct discussion.
For Pre-Teens and Teens (Ages 11-18):
Ask open-ended questions that encourage critical thinking, such as “What do you think this event means for the Jewish people?”
Discuss different perspectives—how Jews in Israel, North America, and other parts of the world might experience October 7th differently.
Challenge them to think about their role in Jewish history, emphasizing their connection to a larger community.
Key Takeaways from the David Cards Educational Approach
Encouraging Honest Dialogue – Jewish identity is personal and fluid; children should feel empowered to explore their own understanding rather than being given rigid definitions.
Building Emotional Resilience – The cards promote emotional dialogue, allowing kids to process complex emotions in a supportive environment.
Strengthening Connections to Israel – David Cards does not tell children to love or hate Israel—it encourages them to develop their own relationship with the Jewish state.
Using Art as a Safe Medium – Many children find it easier to express emotions through drawing, storytelling, and creative interpretation rather than direct conversation.
Additional Activities: Bringing the Conversation to Life
1. Creating a Family Discussion Ritual
Set aside time each week (e.g., Shabbat dinner) to pick a card and discuss its meaning as a family.
Rotate who gets to choose the card each week to keep conversations fresh and engaging.
2. Building a “Memory Wall” with David Cards
After discussing October 7th, have children select cards that represent hope, resilience, or Jewish unity.
Display these cards on a wall or bulletin board as a reminder of Jewish strength and connection.
3. Hosting a Community Art Event
Encourage children to create their own David Cards based on their personal feelings about October 7th.
Display the artwork in a synagogue, school, or Jewish community center as part of a larger conversation about Jewish resilience.
Final Thoughts: Why David Cards Is an Essential Tool for Jewish Families
Talking to children about traumatic events like October 7th can feel overwhelming. However, David Cards provides a structured yet open-ended way to engage in these critical conversations. By using art, storytelling, and guided discussion, Jewish families can help children process their emotions while strengthening their Jewish identity and connection to Israel.
As Jewish parents and educators, our responsibility is not to give our children all the answers but to help them ask the right questions. Through David Cards, we can empower them to explore what it means to be Jewish in today’s world—with honesty, resilience, and hope.
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