Explore Faces of Generosity, a high school lesson on Pirkei Avot that examines different attitudes toward tzedakah and generosity. Students analyze classic Mishnah texts, discuss Jewish values, and reflect on the type of giver they aspire to become.

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Lesson PlanElementary (Grades 2–5)

Lending to Hashem elem

This lesson plan is designed for elementary students in grades 3-5 and focuses on the concept of tzedakah and divine reward. Through an engaging midrash from Vayikra Rabbah 37, students will learn how even small acts of kindness can lead to great rewards. The lesson includes a variety of interactive activities, such as a "Mitzvah Collector Tag" game and a "My Mitzvah Sack" craft, to help students understand the value of giving, even in difficult circumstances, and reflect on the meaning of tzedakah in their own lives.

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Lesson PlanUpper School (Grades 9–12)

Lending to Hashem HS

This lesson plan, designed for high school students, uses the midrash from Vayikra Rabbah 37:2 to explore the concept of tzedakah. The objective is for students to analyze how giving to the poor is likened to "lending to Hashem," and to reflect on how this changes their perspective on charity. The lesson includes a text study, guided discussion questions, and creative independent review activities to help students connect ancient wisdom to modern-day actions of kindness and generosity.

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Lesson PlanElementary (Grades 2–5)

How Abraham and King David Gave Tzedakah

This lesson plan, designed for elementary students in grades 4-5, explores the concept of tzedakah by comparing the different approaches of Abraham and David. It teaches that tzedakah is about more than just giving money; it's about the manner and timing of helping others. The lesson uses a variety of interactive methods, including a warm-up activity, a text study of Avot D'Rabbi Natan 33, and group discussions, to help students understand these different values and apply them to their own choices. The goal is for students to see that both Abraham's and David's ways of helping are valuable and that they can choose to be generous and fair in their own lives.

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Lesson PlanUpper School (Grades 9–12)

Tzedakah and Family Dignity

This high school lesson plan, designed for grades 9-12, uses a close reading of a section from the Talmudic text, Ketubot 48a, to explore the tension between tzedakah (charity) and the dignity of the family. The objective is for students to analyze competing Halachic perspectives, reflect on how Jewish law balances financial responsibilities with communal obligations, and connect these ancient values to contemporary issues. Through discussion and text study, students will grapple with questions of prioritizing community needs versus an individual's dignity, particularly in a case where a husband is absent.

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Lesson PlanElementary (Grades 2–5)

Maot Chitim: Pesach and Community - Elem

This lesson plan introduces elementary students to the concept of Maot Chitim, the Jewish tradition of collecting money to help those in need celebrate Passover.

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Lesson PlanUpper School (Grades 9–12)

An Open Hand and an Open Heart: A Lesson on Tzedakah from Devarim

This lesson plan for high school students explores the Torah's teachings on poverty and tzedakah by analyzing verses from Devarim 15:4-11. Students will learn that tzedakah is about more than just giving money; it's about having the right attitude and empathy.

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