Dear 7th Grade Families,
This week our 7th grade class concluded our Shomrei Adamah (guardians of the earth) unit with a food appreciation party. We discussed food appreciation in the context of our traditional brachot over food. What do the blessings mean? What is their purpose? Why are there so many? Each food group was represented, even though the oreos were obviously the most appreciated food. At the end of the meal students were asked to close their eyes and focus their thoughts toward thankfulness for, and appreciation of, food.
Our first unit was a broad topic that included many Jewish values, customs and practices. A few highlights of our first unit included a nature hike, Scott Unger, owner of Beaverland Farms speaking about Jewish urban farming, a visit to Eden Gardens in Detroit a neighborhood cleanup effort and discussions on kashrut and brachot. The goal was for our students to walk away with a greater connection to the environment and the understanding of our duty as Jews to protect it. We connected the beauty of nature to the very food that we eat, leading our students to the idea that protecting the environment is in many ways protecting our own selves.
We are looking forward to introducing our next unit on Tuesday which will deal with the Jewish value of B’tzelem Elokim, the idea that all people are created in the image of G-d and should be treated accordingly. We have exciting lesson plans which will even include a tolerance training session facilitated by the Anti-Defamation League.
Rachel and I wish you and yours a g’mar chatimah tovah – may this next year bring your family life, love and unending happiness.
Shanah Tovah!
David and Rachel
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