This month we completed our discussion of Bereshit, and students shared a list of the many themes culled from the pages of our sacred text. The recurring thread which continues to reveal itself throughout our lives is the idea of Betzelim Elokim, we are all created in the image of GOD, and we all have certain responsibilities with this gift. Other themes which continue to appear in our weekly discussions include the importance of taking responsibility for our actions, having free will, and doing the right thing.
On Tuesday afternoon, we had a lively discussion about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We learned about Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, a Jewish peace activist who joined together with Dr. King marching for freedom for all. We compared the ideas of racism and antisemitism, and talked about the Jewish values of Tikkun Olam, our responsibility to care for the world. We talked about community and how Jewish law demands we seek justice for all, quite similar to the words in the Pledge of Allegiance many students recite each morning before beginning their day at school.
In our short thirty minutes we shared stories about standing up and doing the right thing, and the basic Jewish value that we are all created Betzelem Elokim, in GOD's image. We talked about Jewish law demanding that we care for others through acts of kindness and the importance of helping those in need. We talked about our responsibility to make the world better by building a relationship to GOD through doing kind things for one's self and for others. What perfect lessons for all of us to remember when thinking about making the world a better place.
This week many of our students made beautiful Shabbat candlesticks on Sunday morning. If you were unable to participate, please call Allison and make arrangements for another oppprtunity.
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