Anticipatory Set:
Have the Hebrew phrase tikkun olam written on the display board as the learners enter the room. Solicit learner input as to the meaning of the phrase and ways in which it is applicable to today’s world. Propose this group discussion question: “Why do you think the Creator created the world imperfect?” Following this discussion offer this “what if” question: "If you were creating the world that we live in, what would you do differently?" Record the learners’ recommendations on the display board and by class consensus, narrow the recorded responses to the “top five” recommendations, (i.e. possible options: (a) no evil (b) no world hunger (c) no waste – records, documents, garbage, paper etc. (d) no wild beasts (e) no homeless people, etc.).

 

• Arrange the class into five groups and present each group with one of the “top five” recommendations for doing things differently.
  
  
• Ask each group to discuss/debate/ and ultimately fill in the Attachment One: World Changes sheet for their assigned recommendation.
  
  
• Give each group an opportunity to share their group response to the questions asked on the Attachment One: World Changes.
  
  
• Allow time for the entire group to share their individual opinions concerning the share group responses to the questions.
  
  
• Conclude this lesson by assigning the learners a brief written reflection about how the Hebrew phrase tikkun olam applies or does not apply to the discussion and activities of this lesson’s focus on the imperfections of this world.
  

The Torah