Do Not Stand Idly By (Private-Religious)
What actions will benefit others and thereby make this world a better place? How can I fulfill my responsibility to take part in these activities?
Photo credit: 2012 Fall Personal Care Packs by Direct Relief is licensed under CC by 2.0
This unit emphasizes the responsibility of every individual to strive to make the world a better place, a concept known in Judaism as tikkun olam. Students learn to appreciate this task can only be accomplished collaboratively. They meet many Jewish "heroes" who have passed on a legacy of fulfilling acts of kindness.
This lesson will introduce students to the idea that everyone must play a role in perfecting the world, a concept known in Hebrew as tikkun olam. Modeling the concept of tikkun olam as a collaborative effort will put the overwhelming task within the students’ reach. Students will understand that they too can help shape their surroundings.
This lesson identifies those who partake in tikkun olam activity as being heroes and role models. Students investigate various Jewish "heroes" from the past and reflect on how they can use their ancestors’ behavior as a model.
This lesson emphasizes that each individual must take action. After reflecting upon all that they learned earlier in the unit, students will have the opportunity to plan and execute a tikkun olam project of their choosing to help the local community.