Category: Grade 7 – Mr. Washerstein

We have begun discussing and analyzing Ch.1 of Pirkei Avot. We will continue to break down this text as our cohort works on developing coherent interpretations and supporting their ideas. Students are being asked to review the 18 verses and select the two verses that they feel are most important. This activity requires students to synthesize information and create personal connections with historic Jewish texts.

Task Breakdown:

Step 1: Each student will read Pirkei Avot Chapter 1 individually

• • • As you are reading…feel free to look at the corresponding cartoon images to provide clarity 
    • In addition, check out the explanations of each verse on Sefaria

Step 2: Decide which two verses (lessons) you believe are most important

Step 3: Write two paragraphs (one per verse) explaining their importance and the lesson that you learned from contemplating these texts

• What does the text say?
• Why is this text important?
• What lesson can we learn from this text?

Step 4: Share your Google Doc with Mr. Wash

This week the students will be diving into the first chapter of Pirkei Avot. We reviewed the benefits of annotating the text as we read. Additionally, students were encouraged to read and analyze both the Hebrew and English text. As we came across unfamiliar terms, students looked up words in an attempt to uncover their meaning and better understand each lesson. We discussed the value of developing our own interpretations of each text. Students are being asked to create connections between these texts and their own lives. Each student has received a source packet that contains the verses in both Hebrew and English. We have also been using The Illustrated Pirkei Avot as an additional resource. Our sessions thus far have led to fantastic questions and interpretations.

Assignment 1: Ch.1 Illustrated Pirkei Avot Analysis

Click here to access our classroom notes:

Pirkei Avot Google Slides

Pirkei Avot Ch. 1 (Hebrew and English)

The Illustrated Pirkei Avot Cartoons

Sefaria Pirkei Avot Explanations

Students are being tasked with diving deeper into one of the mitzvot we have studied in class. This is a fantastic opportunity to head down to the Makerspace and use the green room for video recording.

Interpersonal Mitzvot Project (instructions, organizer, rubric)

Peer and Self Evaluation Form

 Each group will create a video presentation that explains:

1. Where is the mitzvah and the connection to Judaism explained? (Torah? Mishnah?)
2. The meaning/significance of the mitzvah 

• • What does the mitzvah mean?

• • Why is it important to Jewish life?

• • Can this mitzvah be interpreted/performed in more than one way?

3. What have Jewish commentators said about your mitzvah? 

• • Utilize Sefaria to find various commentaries on your mitzvah

4.   How does this mitzvah connect to your life and modern everyday situations? 
5.   Why do you believe this mitzvah is important?

Requirements:

• Research your mitzvah to uncover various interpretations and applications
• Answer all of the questions above
• Each person in your group must speak at least once in the video
• This video will also include a skit/visual representation of the lesson learned
• Minimum of three minutes long (maximum of eight minutes)

Due Dates:

Monday (2/7)-Group check-in #1

Wednesday (2/9)-Group graphic organizer complete

Monday (2/14)- Script complete

Wednesday (2/16)-Group check-in #2

Friday (3/4)- Final project submitted to Mr. Washerstein

Each year the Grade 7 class chooses a Mitzvah Project to work on. The purpose of this project is to incorporate our Jewish values and interpersonal mitzvot into our everyday lives. The Grade 7 class has decided to learn more about suicide and depression as the focus for their Mitzvah Project. They want to help those who are suffering from suicidal thoughts and families that have been impacted by suicide. They have been brainstorming a variety of activities and fundraisers that could help raise awareness and support those in need. We have reached out to a few organizations in Ottawa that we would like to partner with.

Creating an infographic

Why use an infographic?

• Catches the interest of the viewer
• Outlines many facts in a compact space
• Conveys data quickly using images
• Informs without lots of written information
• Engages the viewer to think about the topic, because they must explore each part
• Makes a complex issue easy to understand

Love, Christa. “What Is an Infographic?” TechnoKids Blog, 17 Feb. 2021, https://www.technokids.com/blog/technology-integration/what-is-an-infographic/. 

Task: 

Students will work with one partner to research and create a Canva infographic to educate students and families about suicide and depression. The goal of these infographics should be to raise awareness regarding these topics. 

• Please include facts and statistics (from reputable sources) to demonstrate the relevance and seriousness of this cause
• Feel free to add phone numbers/hyperlink websites that someone in the Ottawa area could access if they need help
• Choose appropriate images/color scheme for this infographic (nothing too flashy)

Here are some FAQs about suicide/depression that you might want to address:

1. Who is at risk for suicide?
2. What are the warning signs of suicide?
3. What organizations exist in Ottawa to help support someone suffering from suicidal thoughts/depression?
4. What should someone do if one of their friends or family members is in crisis?
5. What should someone do if they see a suicidal post on social media?

Today students will be discussing, analyzing, and determining the significance of the concept of Lashon Hara. As we dive deeper into our discussion of interpersonal mitzvot, students will be asked to create connections between these lessons and their own lives.

Lashon Hara Analysis

Students will also be practicing the following comprehension skills:

• Previewing questions prior to reading
• Highlighting keywords/phrases
• Looking up unfamiliar vocabulary terms
• Taking notes/jotting down ideas while reading (annotation)
• Answering questions in complete sentences (referencing the text)

As we learn about various mitzvot in Jewish Studies this year, students are being asked to review, analyze, and rank a variety of Jewish values. The purpose of this task is to explore different Judaic concepts and determine which five are the most important. The goal of this project is to convince your peers that the five values you have selected are the most important.

Due Dates:

Tuesday 10/5: Project assigned 

Tuesday 10/12: Check-in #1 (Five values must be picked)

Monday 10/18: Check-in #2 (Review Google Slideshow progress)

Monday 10/25: Presentations begin

Resources:

Jewish Values Project Instructions

Jewish Values Project Example

Jewish Values Project Template

Jewish Values Project Graphic Organizer (Planner)