JFS Introduction to Jewish Studies PDF
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Uploaded by Rabbi Karp
JFS
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Summary
This document introduces Jewish Studies and discusses the importance of learning. It presents different viewpoints on the value of learning and doing, ultimately emphasizing the importance of practical application of knowledge. The document provides several questions for students to consider and discuss.
Full Transcript
How we learn You are going to look at number of important Jewish sources which show us why Jewish learning is important. Your task is to turn each of these sources into an expectation for JFS students in a classroom. Each of these expectations will begin “In my JS classroom I will…” An example: S...
How we learn You are going to look at number of important Jewish sources which show us why Jewish learning is important. Your task is to turn each of these sources into an expectation for JFS students in a classroom. Each of these expectations will begin “In my JS classroom I will…” An example: Someone who realizes they do not know something must make sure to teach it to themselves. (Mishneh Torah) In my JS classroom I will take responsibility for my own learning and put in the effort required. How we learn (extension) You can see that there are lots of sources telling us that learning Torah and learning about Judaism are important. Write down your ideas to answer the following questions: 1. Why do we have Jewish Studies lessons at JFS? 2. Why does Judaism make learning so important? 3. What are we meant to do with our Jewish learning? Study vs Action: a story Question: What is more important, learning or doing? We are not the first to debate this, infact this same question was being argued around the year 100 C.E. in the land of Israel: Rabbi Tarfon and the Elders were asked this question: Is study greater or is action greater? Rabbi Tarfon said: Action is greater! Rabbi Akiva said: Study is greater! Everyone present said: Study is greater, but not if the learning remains unused; it is greater because study leads to action. (Kiddushin 40b) In your own words, why did everyone think learning was more important? What important lesson can we learn from this argument? Orah Viykar – Light and Honour We want you to transform your JS learning into positive actions which we call אורה ויקר – Orah Viykar, Light and Honour. This is the motto of JFS and can be found in Hebrew and English around the school crest. With your Chavruta (learning partner) discuss and write down what these words mean to you. How do these words connect to what we have discussed so far? WHY IS JEWISH HISTORY IMPORTANT? Write down why you think it is important to learn Jewish history. Discuss with your Chavruta, see how many reasons you can come up with. Based on what Rabbi Sacks, what else might you add to your answer?
