Anafim Update 4/5 (Josh & Alana)
February 2nd, 2010
It seems like every time we blink our eyes here at Kesher, another Chag (’Jewish holiday’) comes and goes! With Chanukah behind us, and now Tu B’Shvat as well, Purim is an arm’s reach away. And of course, all these occasions serve to better contextualize and enhance our year-long study of Midot Tovot (’good character traits’).
We finished our discussions on Ometz Lev (’courage’) and, after our break, began a full unit on Gemilut Chasadim (’acts of kindness’). We discussed this concept in general and in depth, speaking about the various ways we can improve our interpersonal Midot. From Kibud Av V’Em (’honoring parents’) to Hiddur P’nei Zakein (’respect for the elderly’) to Bikur Cholim (’visiting the sick’) to M’Sameach Chatan V’Kalah (’making the bride and groom happy on their wedding day!’), we took note of all the stages of our lives in which kindness plays a role – and took the opportunity to better understand many of the benefits and challenges involved in these tasks.
We took a look at some original texts, worked to create beautiful art pieces for our classroom, wrote letters to those who weren’t feeling well, and to our parents (did you like the letters we mailed?!), watched some videos and had some incredibly meaningful conversations about many of these issues.
And for Tu B’Shvat, the annual holiday to show appreciation for our environment and the world around us, we transitioned into working with the concept of Tzedek (’justice’). We all knew the word as connected with Tzedakah (’charity’). But the ideas of showing Tzedek to the trees and the earth, as well as to the animals and creatures we share this world with, have really shown us what it means to live in a just world.
We all hope that the little seedlings we planted grow as large and as giving as we, ourselves, are growing.
Looking forward all the learning and fun in the weeks ahead!
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