We continued our unit on tzedek (justice) by exploring the mitzvah (commandment) of tzedakah (charity) We dug deeper into the texts of the Talmud which sparked several conversations, ideas, and opinions about what a mitzvah is and the importance of giving tzedakah. During snacktime learning, we explored Maimonides’ eight levels of tzedakah. We discussed how giving a little of what you can is better than giving a lot and expecting something in return. We also explored how our actions are important and represent who we are. We read aloud the text “We are required to be more careful in fulfilling in the mitzvah of tzedakah than any other mitzvah because tzedakah represents the righteous person (tzadik), the descendent of Avraham our forefather” Maimonides, laws and gifts to the poor 10:1
Here is how our students responded to those ideas:
*You have to give a little to give a lot, give a little with lots of generosity.
*God will do good things for you as soon as your start doing good yourself.
*It’s nice to not expect things in return.
*If you have a lot to give, give it!
*It’s hard to put yourself in someone else’s shoes but if they are in need, help them.
*It’s important to give tzedakah because someday your children and grandchildren may need it.
*Be careful of who you give your tzedakah to.
In shulcahnot avodah, we enjoyed a variety of activities that related to mitzvot and tzedakah. In relation to our discussion on tzedakah, we created our very own tzedakah boxes. The boxes came out beautifully! Students had the chance to imagine that they were sitting on city council and they were in charge of deciding how $100,000 was to be divided to food, housing, health care, job training, and other services.
Stay tuned for next week’s post about Purim and tzedek. We can wait to hear the wise ideas our students develop next.
