Our tradition of caring and sharing for one another has its roots in the creation of humanity b’tzelem elohim, (in the Divine image). That concept is explained in concrete terms by Maimonides (Rabbi Moses ben Maimon) and helps form an ethical imperative that sanctifies our everyday behavior. This lesson enables the learners to develop an understanding of tolerance that is based in the universal concept that all of humanity shares a Divine origin.

The learner will:

• explain the creation of humanity being b’tzelem elohim, (in the Divine image).
• paraphrase Maimonides’ commentary on loving one’s neighbor, describing the implications of being created in the Divine image
• cite examples of how their family and community acts on the commandment to love your neighbor as yourself as defined by Maimonides.
  

Prepare and display two large sheets of paper. Place the heading “What is unique about each person?” on one of the sheets; and the heading “What do all people have in common?” on the other sheet. Assign the learners to groups of two and ask each group to discuss the questions posed under each heading and create their own lists of responses. In turn, have each group share with the class their responses while you record them on the larger sheets of paper under the appropriate heading.
Teacher Note: Draw attention to repeated responses, but avoid recording duplicate responses.

 

• Lead the learners in a discussion summarizing the two lists, concluding the discussion by explaining to the learners that the place everyone really lives is where these two lists intersect; where individuals, each created in G-d’s image, encounter one another.
  
  
• Distribute a copy of Attachment One:You and Me and G-d Make Three!…Cause and Because  to each group reminding them that the foundational text that speaks to how we are created is found in Genesis 1:26.
  
  
• Ask each group to carefully read the information found on this sheet and to thoughtfully respond in writing to each of the questions posed there.
  
  
• Take a few moments to have two or three groups share their written responses.
  Teacher Note: Note that everyone shares a common origin in the Divine image. What that means is open to individual understanding, within the limits of Jewish belief about G-d. What is mandated, in general terms, is due to our understanding of Divine Creation and an adherence to behavioral standards in all of our interpersonal relations.
  
  
• Distribute a copy of Attachment Two: You and Me and G-d Make Three!… Cause and Effect  to each group reminding them that the foundational text that speaks to how we are to treat one another is found in Lev. 19:18.
  
  
• Ask each group to carefully read the information found on this sheet and to thoughtfully respond in writing to each of the questions posed there.
  
  
• Take a few moments to have two or three groups share their written responses.
  Teacher Note: Note that the practical application of "Love" is explained by the Rambam, who deduced that the commandment meant that what we want for ourselves is what we should want for others. How successful we are in observing this mitzvah (commandment) can be seen in our actions as individuals and as groups.
  
  
• Distribute a copy of Attachment Three: You and Me and G-d Make Three!… What We Have to Do  Ask each group to carefully read the information found on this sheet and to thoughtfully respond in writing to each of the questions posed there.
  Teacher Note: The completion of this sheet will require the learners to do a personal as well as a communal inventory to cite evidence of how we act in this world because of our belief in the Divine origin of humanity. Such "evidence" could be found in synagogue bulletins, school newsletters and records of personal and family activism.
  
  
• Take a few moments to have two or three groups share their written responses.
  
  
• Conclude this lesson with a whole group discussion citing and recording on the display board as many one-or two word examples of what it means to Love thy neighbor as thy self as the learners can provide in the designated time.
  Teacher Note: Record these responses in an area that will permit them to remain posted for a few days and encourage the learners to add other one-two word examples of Love thy neighbor as thy self as they think of them.
  
  
• Distribute an additional copy of Attachment Three: You and Me and G-d Make Three!… What We Have to Do to each learner and tell them that their homework assignment is to “interview” their families and record their family responses to the questions found on this sheet.

Learners will “interview” their families using You and Me and G-d Make Three!… What We Have to Do (Attachment Three), record their family responses, and return this sheet to class at the assigned time.