The purpose of this lesson is to identify what it means to be a true hero.  The learners will explore character traits of heroes and apply this information to understand why individuals, or organizations might be considered heroes for animal welfare and humane treatment.

In this lesson the learners will define problem solving and identify some problem solving approaches.  They will explore how individuals, groups, and organizations use problem solving approaches, especially as it applies to animal welfare and humane treatment, to address concerns and issues while promoting the common good.

It is obvious that our bodies require proper nutrition. It is less obvious that our souls and imaginations require sustenance as well. This lesson is intended as nutrition for the spirit. It is intended to demonstrate ways that people utilize their time, their talent and their treasure to improve the lives of others. These endeavors, often voluntary, are ones that fulfill the precept of loving one’s neighbor by providing for them what it is that we wish for ourselves.

Our lives are the results of billions of decisions. Not only the big decisions – law school or skydiving classes, but the small decisions as well – do you greet someone or pass by? Do you extend a helping hand or the back of it? What we decide determines the course of lives, the content of our character and the condition of our world. In this lesson we look at texts that speak to how we use our personal power in this world and then find and record opportunities to act on the learning.

Our tradition of caring and sharing for one another has its roots in the creation of humanity b’tzelem elohim, (in the Divine image). That concept is explained in concrete terms by Maimonides (Rabbi Moses ben Maimon) and helps form an ethical imperative that sanctifies our everyday behavior. This lesson enables the learners to develop an understanding of tolerance that is based in the universal concept that all of humanity shares a Divine origin.

Although the problems of the environment seem overwhelming, if each person does a little, the problems can be reduced.  Even small contributions make an impact on the environment. Students choose ways they can make an impact through their small contributions to the environment: such as cleaning, reducing waste, maintaining gardens, or teaching others

This lesson illustrates the value of art and artists to a community and shows that art is maintained through philanthropy.

There are times when a person learns that it is better not to give a generous gift at all if it will be disrespected by the receiver. There are also times a person may realize too late that there is a cost for bad behavior. 

Sometimes we let negative words of others or our own doubts stop us from doing what we know we can. Children reflect on the importance of positive words and actions to make a strong community.