Dear 7th Grade Families,
This past week our learners have been delving into the
concept of B’tzelem Elokim. What does it mean that we are all created in G-d’s
image, and what implications does this have on our everyday lives? In
accordance with this concept we had Harry Weaver, Director of Education for the
Anti-Defamation League, come in and talk to our class about racism,
discrimination and bullying. We decided that we will be taking part in an ADL
initiative called “No Place for Hate” which requires us to create three
projects throughout the year that address inter-personal societal issues. A lot
of class time this week was dedicated to our first project, in which the
students created videos to show how hate has negative consequences. The videos
are all extremely creative and some are actually quite amusing. We will be
editing the clips and making an anti-hate public service announcement.
The t’fillah component of our unit included delving into the
shema, connecting this prayer to the idea of unity between all people. We
closed our eyes and visualized the connection between us and the people sitting
next to us, then expanded outward to our family, friends, community, country…
eventually picturing the entire world united.
We look forward to next week when we will be putting the
final touches on our anti-hate video and discussing our next two projects. We
will also conclude our B’tzelem Elokim unit to be followed by Tzar Ba’alei
Chayim – the Jewish value of the ethical treatment of animals.
May you all have a great weekend and a Shabbat Shalom.
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