Teaching Text

Jewish Values and People With Disabilities—Appreciating the Variety of Life

This compilation of quotes from various text sources conveys Jewish values regarding people with special needs.
Topics: Disabilities, Education, Special Education, Teaching Text Type: Text Compilation

Rashi's Method: A Model For Students

This article explores Rashi's approach to text and cites it as a model for students. He gives permission to pose different questions and answers without declaring any one to be correct.

Topics: Education, Teaching Text Type: Essay

The Daily Renewal Of Creation: A Treasure Hunt

This treasure hunt challenges students to find things corresponding to each day of creation in Bereshit.
Topics: Education, Teaching Text Type: Class Activity

Teaching Genesis (5th Grade and Up)

This lesson encourages students to compare the two creation stories in Genesis and to relate them to a contemporary midrash, a classical midrash and creation myths from other cultures.
Topics: Education, Teaching Text, Text Study Type: Lesson Plan

Introduction to Midrash (5th Grade and Up)

This lesson about the Garden of Eden encourages students to generate their own midrash. It models an approach that can be applied to other Torah texts.
Topics: Education, Teaching Text, Text Study Type: Lesson Plan

"Where Was God?"—Learning About Natural Disasters From Parashat Noah

During disasters and their aftermaths, many people wonder about God’s role in their suffering. This lesson seeks to explore God’s role in tragedy from a Jewish Reconstructionist perspective. This lesson is intended for children ages 8-12.

Joseph: Provocative Dreamer (Parashat Vayeshev)

This study guide uses Rashi's commentary to explore Joseph's dream about his family bowing to him.
Topics: Education, Teaching Text, Text Study Type: Text Study

The Binding Of Isaac: What Is the Nature Of the Test? (Parashat Vayera)

This study guide poses questions about Abraham's test in parashat vayera.
Topics: Education, Teaching Text, Text Study Type: Text Study

Parsing the Meeting of Jacob and Esau (Parashat Vayishlah)

This study guide for parashat Vayishlah uses Rashi's commentary to explore Jacob's departure from Laban's house and his subsequent meeting with Esau.
Topics: Education, Teaching Text, Text Study Type: Text Study

Online Interactive Study Guide for Parashat Yitro

This online lesson guides the user through chapter 18 of Exodus and asks him/her to share opinions and ideas.
Topics: Education, Teaching Text, Text Study Type: Dvar Torah