Although our Sunday morning class was weak in numbers, we were certainly strong in our thoughts and opinions. While exploring the last section of Parshat Bereshit in the Torah, we came upon the story of Cain and Abel, the sons of Adam and Eve. We talked about siblings and knowing right from wrong. We read about the death of Abel at the hands of his brother and we had a heated discussion about cause and effect, and taking responsibility for our actions. Students were left to struggle with the idea of being taught right and wrong, and how if we don't know something is wrong, can we do wrong. Finally, students were asked if they were indeed their brother's keeper, and what that actually means. Our discussion continues next Tuesday.
On Tuesday afternoon, we talked about Thanksgiving. We talked about religious freedom, (which will again surface next week when we begin our Hanukkah story) and how Thanksgiving is truly about giving thanks and appreciating the many gifts we have. We talked about blessings, and as Jews, our responsibility to say 100 blessings everyday. We talked about having too much of everything, and taking time to show gratitude by doing mitzvot, and thinking about others, rather than worrying about what we want or what we don't have. Students shared their thoughts about gratitude, and how so much of what we do as Jews is about attitude.
Please enjoy the Thanksgiving break, and ask you children to share their Jewish interpretation of Thanksgiving with your family. See you next Tuesday!
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