Do Not Stand Idly By (Private-Religious)
What actions will benefit others and thereby make this world a better place? How can I fulfill my responsibility to take part in these activities?
Photo credit: 2012 Fall Personal Care Packs by Direct Relief is licensed under CC by 2.0
This unit emphasizes the responsibility of every individual to strive to make the world a better place, a concept known in Judaism as tikkun olam. This task can only be accomplished collaboratively. They meet many Jewish "heroes" who have passed on a legacy of fulfilling acts of kindness.
A concept known in Hebrew as tikkun olam practices the idea that everyone must play a role in perfecting the world. Modeling the concept of tikkun olam as a collaborative effort helps youth understand that they can shape their surroundings.
Young people read about Jewish role models who partake in tikkun olam. They reflect on how they can use their behavior as a model for their own philanthropy to perfect the world.
This lesson guides youth to take take action with a group. They plan and carry out a tikkun olam project of their choosing to help the local community.