How do beliefs, ethics, or values influence different people’s behavior?

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7 Unit(s), 11 Resource(s),

Unit

Chanukah Values

Unit on important values related to the story of Chanukah

Ages: 12-14,
Unit

The Book of Ruth

The Book of Ruth is read in the synagogue on the holiday of Shavuot. The story told in this book is linked to the holiday of Shavuot in terms of the time of year at which it takes place — the time of the wheat harvest. This is also the time of year at which we celebrate Shavuot. In addition to the timing, the content of this book is also related to the holiday of Shavuot.

Ages: 12-14,
Unit

Hashgacha and Freewill

This house focuses on the two central Jewish concepts of Hashgacha (Divine Providence) and Human Free Will and how to harmonize between these two notions that seem to be in conflict.

Ages: 15-18,
Unit

The Why of Shabbat

What are the philosophical underpinnings of Shabbat observance that make it a critical area of religious observance throughout history? In this house this will be explored through the eyes of several contemporary Jewish thinkers.

Ages: 15-18,
Unit

The How of Shabbat

In this house the “how of shabbat observance” will be explored in all its complexity and diversity among the Jewish people today.

Ages: 15-18,
Unit

You Are What You Eat: Finding Meaning in the Laws of keeping Kosher

This Unit will familiarize learners with the concepts of kashrut, as well as expose them to the basic laws of keeping kosher. It will examine some of the rationales behind these laws and consider a broader understanding of kashrut and its relevance to Jewish values and contemporary ethics.

Ages: 15-18,
Unit

Chosen People, Chosen Purpose

This unit explores the concept of chosenness, and what it means when Jewish tradition says the Jewish people are a “Chosen People”.

Ages: 15-18,
Resource

Self-Defense and Revenge

The saving of the Jews described in the megillah is described as an event that included the Jews killing those who hated them. We can see this as an example of self-defense or as an example of revenge. We will learn about the different aspects of this event and address situations in our own lives that involve elements of defense and revenge, as well as the relationship between personal ethics and social norms.

Ages: 12-14,
Resource

Power in Megillat Esther

The story of Megillat Esther (the Scroll of Esther) presents the various power relations that exist between the different characters. We will learn about the power that each character holds, and the importance of deciding how that power should be used.

Ages: 12-14,
Resource

Kindness (Chessed) in the Book of Ruth

In the Book of Ruth (Megillat Rut), kindness (chessed)  is expressed in several different ways. This unit discusses the meaning of kindness, how we can be kind, and the importance of kindness in society.

Ages: 9-11, 12-14,
Resource

Shabbat and Creation

In this block we will consider the connections between Shabbat and the Creation of the world.

Ages: 15-18,
Resource

Shabbat and the Exodus

In this block we will consider the connections between Shabbat and the Exodus.

Ages: 15-18,
Resource

The Spirit of Shabbat

In this block we will explore the overall theme of “rest” on shabbat as a way to maintain the spirit of shabbat.

Ages: 15-18,
Resource

Contemporary Approaches to Shabbat

In this block we will explore contemporary approaches to shabbat observance from various streams of Judaism that differ in some way from Orthodox observance.

Ages: 15-18,
Resource

Zachor – the “dos” of Shabbat

In this resource we will consider the positive aspects of Shabbat observance, including the positive mitzvot involved in an active Shabbat observance.

Ages: 15-18,
Resource

Shamor – the “do nots” of shabbat

In this block we will consider the classic Biblical and Talmudic sources for the prohibitions involved in shabbat observance.

Ages: 15-18,
Resource

Loyalty to Our Principles

On Chanukah we celebrate the victory of the Maccabees over the Greeks, who tried to force the Jews to refrain from keeping Jewish practices and leave their religion. In the resource, we will learn about the decrees of Antiochus and the Jewish opposition to them, and we will consider what principles are sacred to us and how they can be maintained in the face of external pressure.

Ages: 12-14,
Resource

Miracles

On Chanukah, we celebrate the victory of the Maccabees and the miracle of the small jug of oil. In this resource, we’ll discuss what a miracle is and the tension between human actions and relying on miracles from heaven.

Ages: 12-14,