What's In Your Backpack

In our  Taste of Torah class, we began to explore the journey of Abraham and Sarah, and we talked about what it means to carry the future of Judaism on our shoulders.  Abraham was chosen by GOD to be the leader of the Jewish people. GOD told Abraham to pack his bags and move to a place he did not know, and with this commandment, Abraham was promised he would become a great nation.     

We talked about what it means to be a great nation, and the responsibilities that come with this great task.  We also talked about the generations that came before Abraham, and the qualities they had that made GOD put his trust in them.  We talked about being honest and dependable, and having faith in GOD, and we talked about building relationships on trust.  Finally, we explored the text in the Torah, where GOD commands Abraham to leave his home and his family, and find a place where GOD will show him.  

Our students talked about moving and how difficult it would be to leave all that was familiar and start life anew.  We talked about what it would be like to move to a new state, a new neighborhood, and a new school, and trusting our parents to make the right choices for us.  We also talked about having faith in our parents just as Abraham had faith in GOD.    Students were then to asked to think of the things they would need to place in their backpacks if they were packing for a journey to a far away land.  Specifically, students were asked to pack items that would guarantee the future of Judaism.  We had some thoughtful and insightful backpacks, and some funny little items as well.  Ask your children what they would pack for their trip.  

To observe Yom Hazikaron, Israel's Day of Remembrance we observed a moment of silence for the fallen soldiers in our Jewish Homeland, and then we celebrated Yom HaAtzmaut, Israel's 69th birthday.  Students made hummus and Israeli Salad, decorated Hamsas in the Maker Space, and made Dead Sea Salt scrub, Before ending our day with birthday cake.  

Next week we will talk about the commandment of Brit Micah in class.  Please take a few minutes to introduce this topic with your students if you think it will be a difficult discussion for them to hear.