Repairing the World (Private-Religious)
What actions are helpful and kind and thereby make this world a better place? How can I fulfill my responsibility to partake in these activities?
Photo Credit: Hugging kids by Nithi Anand is licensed under CC by 2.0
This unit teaches the responsibility of every individual to actively strive to make the world a better place, a concept known in Judaism as tikkun olam. Children examine ways in which people use their talents and skills to help others, such as being nice to one another and using speech in a positive way.
This lesson will introduce the concept of tikkun olam and teach of its importance. It will show youth that everyone has the ability to do tikkun olam, and that it can be accomplished in a variety of ways.
This lesson emphasizes the importance of "V’ahavta Lereacha Kamocha – Love Your Friend as Yourself." Children discuss the importance of helping others and will have the opportunity to have firsthand experience in this aspect of tikkun olam.
This lesson highlights the importance of monitoring speech. The children identify positive and negative effects of the words they use and are encouraged to use speech only for good.