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We Are Partners in the Work of Creation (Tikkun Olam) (Private-Religious)

Unit of 3 lessons

6th-8th Grade

Subjects:

Language Arts, Philanthropy and Social Studies

Key Words/Concepts click to view

Lesson 1 :	ELA:	Compare/Contrast; Summarizing/Paraphrasing; Viewpoint
	PHIL:	Ethics; Family; Helping; Judaism; Stewardship; Values
	SOC:	Parochial; Religious Perspective; Rules; Traditions
Lesson 2 :	ELA:	Compare/Contrast; Summarizing/Paraphrasing; Viewpoint
	PHIL:	Ethics; Family; Judaism; Time/Talent/Treasure
	SOC:	Parochial; Religious Perspective; Rules; Traditions; Values
Lesson 3 :	ELA:	Compare/Contrast; Reflection; Summarizing/Paraphrasing; Viewpoint
	PHIL:	Ethics; Family; Fundraising; Heroes; Judaism; Religious Perspectives; Service Plan; Service Project; Sharing; Time/Talent/Treasure
	SOC:	Common Good; Parochial; Traditions; Values

Unit Overview:

In this unit the learners will develop a deeper understanding of the traditional Jewish concept of humanity's responsibility for the work of tikun olam- the repair of the world. They will study a sampling of Jewish texts from ancient and modern sources, as well as contemporary individuals/ heroes that model tikun olam. They will develop a mitzvah project/”service plan” to support the work of one of these individuals/heroes or create their own project. The implementation and a reflection of their planned mitzvah project/”service plan” are offered as an optional activities.

Unit Purpose:

This unit provides learners with a traditional Jewish textual framework as well as a look at some contemporary work in the performance of tikun olam- the repair of the world. It also provides learners with an opportunity to plan a personal mitzvah project/”service plan”.

Focus Questions:
What is the relationship between G-d and humanity?
What does G-d expect of us?
For what are individuals responsible?
How can I demonstrate my responsibility through action?

Unit Objectives:

The learner will:

define tikun olam.

retell the story, based upon the Sefer Yetzirah, in which the concept of tikun olam originated.

formulate a personal application of the concept of tikun olam and implement it in his/her life

define chevruta and explain its application.

cite various sources that speak of the Jewish responsibility for tikun olam.

derive values from traditional Jewish texts.

derive practical rules for living based on these values from traditional Jewish Texts.

understand and explain the concept "hero".

describe the work of selected mitzvah individuals/"heroes."

describe and explain how ordinary people and ordinary objects can do the work of world repair.

will select, learn about, and develop a mitzvah project/”service plan” to support the work of one of the individuals/heroes in the unit or create their own project based on the model.

Optional: will implement their mitzvah project/”service plan” of world repair and reflect on its effectiveness.

Service Experience:

Although lessons in this unit contain service project examples, decisions about service plans and implementation should be made by students, as age appropriate.

The learners will design a mitzvah project/”service plan” to support the work of one of the individuals/heroes profiled in the lesson or create their own personal mitzvah project/”service plan”.
Optional: The learners will implement their designed mitzvah project/”service plan” to support the work of one of the individuals/heroes profiled in the lesson or create their own personal mitzvah project/”service plan” and reflect on its success

Unit Assessment:

Assessment activities are provided for each lesson and indicated under Assessment.

School/Home Connection:

Throughout this Unit learners are encouraged to engage their families in the discussions of the classroom as well as the required written assignments. Should implementation of the designed mitzvah project/”service plan” be assigned, parent participation is encouraged to assist the learner in completing this project. In addition, parents could be invited to a presentation of all projects and a celebration of their successful completion.