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Teaching Jewish Values to Our Children

12/31/2024 10:15:36 AM

Dec31

By Lynn Silverman and Erica Serlin

Ever wonder how to teach Jewish values to our children without a dry lecture so that they can participate in their own learning and stay engaged? Well, this was the task set out for members of the Social Action Committee by Kendra Sager, the Director of Lifelong Learning at TBE.

Ten of us volunteered to teach Jewish values during the tzedek chug (justice activity) for religious school classes from 4K through 8th grade. The values we presented included: respect for older adults, tzedakah, civic engagement, caring for and visiting the sick, acts of loving kindness, and welcoming the stranger/loving your neighbor.

As co-chairs of the TBE Immigrant and Refugee Action Team, we presented the values of “Welcoming the Stranger” and “Loving Your Neighbor” in English and Hebrew to a group of first graders. To our happy surprise, they were fully engaged and eager to participate.  Their regular teacher, Sophie Small, excelled at keeping the wiggly children focused as we read a book about children coming from other countries, I’m New Here.
 
The kids enthusiastically answered questions about what would be hard about coming to a new place, their own experiences with being new somewhere, and how they could help other kids feel welcomed. We were easily able to connect their answers to our chosen Jewish values.

We then gave the kids stenciled WELCOME signs to decorate with markers and stickers and to bring home to remind them and their parents of the values we had discussed. Each child made a beautiful and unique sign. Finally, we provided a reading list for parents of relevant age-appropriate books.

We as “teachers” had an absolute blast, and we’re excited about getting together with the 4th graders next!

April 30, 2025 2 Iyar 5785