Sokol Hebrew High School
Jewish Activism
Avi Markowitz
Spring 5768

The purpose of this course is to explore and develop students’ attitudes and involvement in social activism and Tikkun Olam. This class will investigate the Jewishness of these orientations in regard to motivation, commitment and to an understanding of social action as a realization of Jewish ethical attitudes and halakhic injunctions.

In the course of the semester we will study topics that include, Values and Obligations, The Environment, Disadvantaged Groups, and Tzedakah. Students will become familiar with basic topics, understand the Jewish orientations toward them and develop their own responses to Tikkun Olam. The text for the course will be weekly handouts from both modern and classical sources.

Classroom learning will be reinforced with a hands-on project. Students will participate in a unique aspect of Chicago’s Maot Chitim Project.

We hope that students will embrace involvement in social action as an ongoing commitment, and that each will inspire their family to take on a project together. There are many opportunities through USY and the NSS Beth El Social Action Committee. For specific ideas, please refer to the Social Action Resource Booklet in the Library, Students are expected to attend class regularly, to contribute actively in class discussions, and participate in the class project. Undoubtedly, students will develop a heightened social conscience as a result of their experiences in this class.