HI All-
On Sunday we spent a good portion of our day discussing the
Holocaust. In honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day, we spent some time
dissecting our feelings on the Holocaust. We did not learn about it, but
rather had a discussion session that centered around what our relationship is
with the Holocaust. We had 2 students who are grandchildren of
Holocaust survivors. Many of the kids voiced feeling MAD about the
Holocaust and SAD about it. Many also said they felt like they SHOULD
feel about it, but they felt too removed from it. It did not seem to
affect them where they are at. A student brought up the current situation
regarding refugees and he thought that the Holocaust was relevant because of
what is going on in the world. Another student remembered a few years ago
hearing that there could be another Holocaust and that made him nervous.
We had a good class with lots of open dialogue. It’s important to give
the kids room to speak without feeling “taught” or “judged,” and I am glad that
they felt comfortable sharing. Next year they will learn about the Holocaust in
our 7th grade curriculum; we have a fantastic unit specifically
designed for the 7th grade student.
We have finished our discussions on lying and laughter in
Judaism and are moving on to discussing the role of the Jew in wrestling with
God. Our narrative brings us to the point where Abraham negotiates with
God to try and save the people of Sodom. We are discussing the dynamic between
God and Abraham as a parental one. God is testing Abraham; Abraham is
testing God = the two are “dancing” a bit to try and see just where the
boundaries are and just how far each player can be pushed. The kids are
learning about the tricky role of trusting in God, all the while trying to
negotiate with God. As Jews, we are supposed to play an active role in
our relationship with God. It is not a blind, submissive
relationship. God blesses the biblical forefathers and foremothers who
push back, who stand up, who try and help others. We are going to be
working on learning how we can take some of those lessons and apply them into
our lives today.
Anyway, lots going on in Morah Leah’s 6th grade!
As always, we are moving forward and enjoying the chaos, the crazy and the
world of being a 6th grader. These kiddos are all
fantastic. Their energy and drive are a win. Here’s to a great late
winter and early Spring.
Have a wonderful Shabbat,
Leah
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