- In first and second grades, mitzvot are emphasized as a regular component of the class culture and are generally framed as teaching children how to "do the right thing" (cleaning up, helping others, being respectful, etc). There is also a focus on Hachnasat Orchim (welcoming guests) and Derekh Eretz (demonstrating respectful behavior).
- The third and fourth grades incorporate mitzvot into every aspect of the class. The instructor focuses on mitzvot with concrete messages that can be easily translated into our daily lives such as “Love your neighbor as yourself,” “Don't judge your friend until you are in his/her place,” and “Don't do to others what you don't want others to do to you.” More advanced study continues in the fifth grade, including the concepts that “you should respect your friend’s will, even if you think it is wrong,” and that “your friend’s honor should be as important to you as your own.”
- Values are also taught through monthly themes that are connected to a holiday in that month and to Jewish heroes (Giborei Ha-Chodesh) whose life embodies those values in some way.
- Finally, values are taught through our community service programs.
|
