We Are Divine Creations (Tolerance) (Private-Religious)
How we are to treat one another and why we are expected to do so?
Photo Credit: Inspiring Innovation at TELUS Spark by Suncor Energy is licensed under CC by 2.0
This unit focuses on the texts that deal with the creation of humanity, b’tzelem elohim (in the Divine image) and the commandment to love one’s neighbor as oneself. Students create commentary on the texts, learn about organizations that fulfill the Rambam’s concept of loving, and create a project that provides support to such an organization.
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.
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.
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.