There are many ways to engage in Torah Study: Shabbat sessions with a Rabbi, adult education courses, face-to-face or on-line chevruta (study groups), independent study using classic and modern commentaries. Or -you might commit to teaching Torah to children.
This school year, I decided to devote part of my sixth grade modern Hebrew language class to studying the weekly Torah Portion (in English).
Since my students have begun or are about to begin their B’nai Mitzvah preparation, I believe that it’s important for them to have a sense of the teachings of Torah as a whole, as well as familiarity with the cycle of Torah Portions.
For most, it is their first opportunity to ask questions and to participate in discussions of the Portions – a first step toward lifelong Torah Study.
Because I needed to make effective use of our relatively brief Torah Study time, I chose as a main resource a book designed for younger children, My Weekly Sidrah by Melanie Berman and Joel Lurie Grishaver (published by Torah Aura Productions www.torahaura.com) .
This book presents a simple, but meaningful summary of the main themes in each Portion; a few lines in English quoted directly from the Portion; cartoon-style illustrations; and several written exercises to help the child understand the Portion in an age appropriate way.
For my class, I use the summary page and the quote page, sometimes including excerpts in Hebrew and English from the Plaut Torah Commentary which our synagogue uses.
Students read the material and together we discuss the major concepts and events in the Portion and share ideas about the moral, ethical, and theological issues posed. Students are encouraged to suggest interpretations and to relate the teachings of the Portion to their own life experiences. Even if we only explore a few of the multiple areas of inquiry found in each Portion, it’s a significant beginning.
This week’s Portion, Acharei Mot, begins with a reference to the deaths of Aaron’s two sons and God’s warning to Aaron not to enter the holiest areas of the Mishkan where he might die by coming too close to God’s presence.
God, through Moses, then commands Aaron to offer special sacrifices to atone for the sins of the children of Israel. God speaks of a special Day of Atonement, the origin of Yom Kippur.
Acharei Mot continues with God’s commandments against eating blood or animal carcasses. God also commands the children of Israel not to engage in incestuous or “offensive” relationships.
My Weekly Sidrah focuses, not surprisingly, on God’s teachings regarding Yom Kippur. In class, we read that section from the Plaut Torah Commentary (Leviticus 16:29-34).
Students noted that many observances which we now associate with Yom Kippur are not mentioned specifically in Acharei Mot; that, over time, as the Jewish community has evolved, we have built upon the Torah’s teaching.
In examining the name of the Portion, Acharei Mot, students recalled the deaths of Aaron’s sons, who were, as one student put it “incinerated” by God in the Portion, Shemini.
Another student likened this to the movie, “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and vividly pantomimed the fiery “melting” of the enemy in that film.
On hearing of God’s warning to Aaron not to enter the Holiest part of the Mishkan “at all times” (Leviticus 16:2), the sixth graders observed that “Maybe God didn’t trust Aaron after what his sons did.” and “God wanted Aaron to be the priest and didn’t want him to die, too.”
Sharing Torah with children brings exuberant responses and fresh perspectives.
To centuries of learned commentary, my sixth graders have now added their own “take-away” from studying Acharei Mot.
From strength to strength!
Children are energetic learners and inspiring teachers.
Torah Study – never too early to begin. Never too late to join in.
Shabbat Shalom Rest and Renew
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