Explore a middle school lesson on Talmud Bavli that uncovers lessons about tzedakah hidden within the Hebrew alphabet. Students learn how the letters ג and ד teach proactive, respectful, and dignified giving.

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Lesson PlanMiddle School (Grades 6–8)

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

This lesson plan for middle 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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Lesson PlanMiddle School (Grades 6–8)

Lending to Hashem MS

This lesson plan, designed for middle 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 PlanMiddle School (Grades 6–8)

Maot Chitim: Pesach and Community MS

This lesson plan, designed for middle school students, explores the concept of Maot Chitim (collecting funds to ensure everyone can celebrate Passover) through a series of engaging activities. Students will participate in a Think-Pair-Share activity, a text study of sources on Maot Chitim, and a creative group project to create a video or skit. The objective is for students to understand the importance of community responsibility and compassion, and to apply these values to modern contexts. The lesson culminates in a reflection on how to practice the values of Maot Chitim in their own lives.

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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 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 PlanElementary (Grades 2–5)

Anonymous Giving and Dignity

What if the best kind of giving… is the kind no one knows about? Explore anonymous kindness in the Beit Hamikdash

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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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