In this lesson the learners will be introduced to some of the individuals/Heroes whose acts of tikun olam provide important models. Having developed a better understanding of tikun olam based upon Sefer Yetzirah and other classical and modern sources on the topic of how the work of tikun olam is to be performed, Lesson Three adds to the scaffolding necessary for learners to create their own mitzvah project/”service plan” for world repair. 

The learner will:

• understand and explain the concept "hero".
• describe the work of selected mitzvah individuals/"heroes".
• describe and explain how ordinary people and ordinary objects can do the work of world repair.
• will select, learn about, and develop a mitzvah project/"service plan" to support the work of one of the individuals/"heroes" in the unit or create their own project based on the model.
• (Optional) will implement their mitzvah project/"service plan" of world repair and reflect on its effectiveness.
  

Anticipatory Set:
Display the items associated with heroism in two areas of the classroom: one group the stereotypical "superhero" items, the other group, the items associated with some (or all) of the individuals whose work you have chosen to profile. Have the learners infer from the items in the first grouping what they might say about individuals who use those items. Have them compare and contrast the items in the second group with those in the first. Once this is completed tell the learners that the items in the second group are symbols of items used to perform mitzvot – commandments – which accomplish heroic work in our world. Holding each of these items up in turn, ask the learners to interpret their use in performing such deeds. ( i.e. How can a bagel (or a scissors, etc.) be used to perform mitzvot?

 

• Distribute a copy of Attachment One: Partners in Creation  to each learner.
  
  
• Provide computers with Internet access or print outs of the materials from the list in Attachment One: Partners in Creation or Bibliography.
  
  
• Ask learners to determine which of the profiled individual's/hero’s work most appeals to them.
  Teacher Note: Be sure that each individual/hero is selected by at least one learner.
  
  
• Have learners answer the questions and complete the chart entitled MITZVAH HERO and ME on Attachment One: Partners in Creation
  
  
• Allow time for each learner to briefly share his/her chosen mitzvah hero and encourage the learners to make comparisons as they listen to each sharing. Conclude these brief presentations by asking the question: What have you learned from listening to these presentations about mitzvah heroes and your own ability to do mitzvah-work?
  Teacher Note: Assist the learners toward the realization ordinary people and ordinary objects can provide a “service” by doing the work of world repair.
  
  
• Distribute Attachment Two: I Can be a Partner in Creation: The Plan  and instruct the learners that they will now engage themselves in the development of a mitzvah project/"service plan" to assist one of the individuals/ heroes and/or the projects they represent.
  
  
• (Optional) Have the learners implement their tikun olam project/"service plan" to assist one of the individuals/ heroes and/or the projects they represent and designate a completion date for this activity.
  
  
• (Optional) Have the learners complete and hand in their mitzvah project/"service plan" reflection Attachment Three:
  I Can be a Partner in Creation: The Reflection.

• Visit the Shalom Street Children’s Museum at the
  Jewish Community of Greater Detroit:
  6600 W Maple Rd # 301
  West Bloomfield, MI 48322-3003
  Phone (248)661-1000
  (Teacher Note: You will find each of the windows will inspire your learners to envision service projects. The windows on energy, conservation, family life, history as well as examples of on-going service projects will generate thought and conversation.)
  
  
• Should implementation of the designed mitzvah project/"service plan" be assigned, consideration could be given to having an I Can be a Partner in Creation celebration inviting the parents to hear about the various tikun olam projects/“service plans and celebrate the work of their children in repairing the world