Thematic Learning of Character Traits Through a Torah Lens

By: Mrs. Baila Brackman, Mrs. Alise Gold
from Akiba Schechter Jewish Day School

Category:
Real-World Learning

Subject(s) of entry:
Tanach, Jewish Thought

Pedagogy:
PBL - project based learning, Blended Learning, 21st Century Skills

Grade(s) to which this was taught:
7th and 8th

Grade(s) for which this will be useful:
7, 8, 9, 10, Middle school, High school

What follows is a thematic unit on Persistence created for our 7th/8th grade Jewish Thought class at Akiba-Schechter Jewish Day School. It is the first in our series of units to deeply examine character traits (or middot) as a means to develop connections between our modern lives and our sacred Jewish texts. After settling on an initial definition of persistence, we studied and discussed examples found in Tanach and various other Jewish and secular sources to help us deepen our understanding and appreciation of this important and esteemed character trait. It is our hope that this creative approach to learning will allow our students to be fully engaged now, but also to reflect and think about these traits and their rich connection to Judaism at different stages in their lives. Future units this year include Heroism, Happiness and Kindness.

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