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Sokol Hebrew High School
Jewish Role Models
Mark Stadler
8th Grade/5768
What can a teenager in 2007 gain from a person who lived decades, centuries, even millennia ago? In this course we will study figures, both Biblical and historical, to see what we can learn, together, about the larger issues that face young adults as they move out into the wider world. Students will explore Torah, Tanakh, and historic sources to understand the process these men and women underwent to become role models for the ages. This course will challenge students with the question, “What kind of Jew do you want to be when you grow up?”
Fundamental questions that we will be asking this semester are: How does Jewish history provide role models that that are relevant today?
Why do we choose these individuals as role models?
What we can learn by their example that applies to our evolving Jewish identities?
How do we better understand Judaism by understanding its personalities?
Through role models, students will explore the development of our texts, will come to understand the time period that produced these texts, and will learn how to use them. Students will have the opportunity to take advantage of the research facilities here at the synagogue, as they begin to use Jewish sources as personal resources. Ultimately, they will learn that there are Jewish perspectives to the contemporary issues that they face each day and they will know how to find these perspectives.
Characters to be studied include Noah, Moses, David, Deborah, Rambam, and Golda Meir. Our studies will focus on how these role models demonstrated such skills as leadership, compassion, wisdom, charisma, inspiration, and courage. Issues these men and women faced, that will have resonance to our students today, include:
· Personal decision making
· How one is judged by one’s group
· Managing conflict
· Handling crises, both global and personal
At home, parents can follow up our class sessions by asking your children such questions as: Have these insights expanded your vision? Has your perspective changed, or stayed the same? How can you apply these lessons to issues you are facing now? How does will Jewish tradition influence you in the future?
Regular attendance is required. Students will be expected to participate in class reading assignments and discussions. |
