This lesson will familiarize the learners with basic laws of charity (tzedakah) in Biblical literature. Through laws and stories, students will begin to understand the level of importance that the Bible places on acts of charity (tzedakah), specifically as it relates to farming and giving to the poor.
This lesson will teach Maimonides’ (Rambam’s) Eight Levels of Charity as quoted in the Mishneh Torah, his book of Jewish laws and concepts. The learner will understand the Eight Levels of Charity, the reasons behind the hierarchy, and how these levels apply to today’s world.
The learners will review the tolerance skills/characteristics necessary to discern and promote tolerance. They will also identify situations that call for tolerance in their daily lives.
Learners will examine the ethical foundations of tolerance from the Torah and understand what it means in both the religious and social context.
Learners will define the term tolerance and examine their reactions to given social situations that call for tolerance.
Learners will identify, define, and demonstrate an understanding of the Hebrew phrase tikkun olam from a moral and religious standpoint.
The purpose of this lesson is to identify the essence of an imperfect world and the rationale for why the world needs improvement.
This lesson will teach learners G-d’s appreciation for trees and the importance of planting and preserving trees for our future. The learners will identify these concepts in Biblical verses, Talmudic passages and modern Jewish associations. They will also develop an understand of and an appreciation for the importance of tree planting for the State of Israel today.
This lesson will teach the basic ideas of Shemittah and the practical reasons behind the commandment and the learners will understand the connection between respecting the Earth and respecting themselves.