7th Grade Class Update

Dear Parents,

We had a very busy week this week...

As you know Myles and myself (Morah Hollenberg) introduced/taught the7th graders the Torah perspective on the environment. Myles prepared the text of Bereishit which raised the issue of whether or not Man was created for the land or the land was created for man and which  describes the contents of the Garden of Eden. We also studied the text describing the Torah prohibition of destroying fruit bearing trees even in times of war. Through this textual study we learned the Torah perspective on the environment.

Following that textual exploration Shira Shapiro (CSZ Executive Director) did an output audit of CSZ with the class. She discussed the monthly trash output and the major factors that contribute to the amount of garbage CSZ puts out and how much of what we produce is segregated for recycling (ie: large kiddush lunches, monthly game days etc.). We spoke about the benefits and costs associated with segregating out recycling and ways we could consider reducing trash output and how our output effects the environment.

I then spoke with the class about how we want to improve upon what CSZ is already doing to make the world a better place by reducing/modifying our output, building something for the community's future, or changing the way something is done in the Hebrew School in light of the Torah we learned and how we currently do things.

As a class, we have decided to make use of the stipend Hazon has offered us by taking a closer look at what snacks are sold before Tuesday classes; considering the CSZ food policy, and after  reviewing the Hazon website's food values and policies. In light of all of these considerations, we spent some time Sunday deciding what snacks we can offer students which would align with the CSZ school food policies and meet our values.

This Sunday we reviewed what we had discussed with the class in our previous 2 sessions on Judaism and the environment. Following that discussion we learned the CSZ Hebrew School food policy and studied Hazon's food values and policies. Then we considered which of these principles we most value and how we can ensure we adhere to them in light of our other considerations (acceptable heckshers, food allergies, cost etc).

We crated a list of 10 items the kids would like to order for the April 12th snacks (and onward). We decided to come up with a variety of options in case something is not available, etc.

On Tuesday we visited the Holocaust Memorial Center, in West Bloomfield, for a meaningful conclusion to our unit on the Holocaust. It was very special and moving to learn about this dark chapter in our history together with Rabbi Starr, guest speaker Fred Findling, and our parents. Thank you all for participating in this important unit.

Best,
Morot Hollenberg and Rice