Metro Shalom Street's archaeological exhibit gives hands-on experience. s JN 7/23 2004 24 ince July 4, school-age children and .their families have had the unique opportunity to excavate, sift and explore the land of Israel in an archeological playground created exclusively for Shalom Street Children's Museum. Located on the grounds of the Jewish Community Center in West Bloomfield, "Diggin' Israel " features a family-friendly replica of an excavation site of a home from the Second Temple period. Diggin' Israel represents the museum's most ambitious programming since opening in December 2003. "We're getting an incredible response from the children," said program coordinator Seigal Eli- Ger's. "We have had numerous repeat participants who want to experience the dig more than once." Designed for group participation, the program offers a show and tell of Israel's basic archaeologi- cal facts and findings. Sessions take approximately 90 minutes and begin with the guidance of the Shalom Street Players, the museum's resident act- ing troupe, and senior archeologist Aaron Greener from Jerusalem. _ The young participants rotate through various activities, excavating, identifying and examining Clockwisefroin .Rax.h.ael State, 9, Q ” Walled :Lakedusts uncovered artlfacts..,..: Archaeologist Aaron Greener ofJerusalem. . explains. tools of his trade. Stephanie Chtidnow,. 8. of West Bloomfield Os for 'a' rttfacts" with fellow JCC day campers. their finds, and then actually restore an "ancient vessel" to take home with them. "By the end of the experience, the kids will be certified as 'junior archaeologists,'" said Greener. "Here, the children have a chance -to have fun, learn and get their hands dirty ... literally," said Avigal Greenberg, assistant archaeologist, also from Jerusalem. The adults get as much out of the experience as the kids do. It's a family event." In addition to regular hours, Shalom Street presents a weekly evening series of excavation activities for families with varying themes. These programs include Diggin' Discussion, a Tisha b'Av commemoration on Tuesday, July 27, and Dig 'n' Drummin' with Israeli drumming and dancing on Wednesday, July 28. ❑ — Jonathan Beller, Shalom Street director Diggin' Israel runs through Aug. 1. Regular hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, with scheduled digs every two hours. Call (248) 432-5465 to RSVP.