Last Saturday, We Saved the World
Teaching Good Deeds
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JoeUser Forums
JoeUser Forums
Last Saturday, the JCS 7th Grade, students and parents, saved the world. We didn't save the whole thing, but we started with a little piece of it.
I teach Sunday school at the Jewish Cultural School, a Jewish secular institution located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. As part of the curriculum, we cover each individual's obligation to serve the community, to perform acts of Tzedakah or charity, and good deeds, or Mitzvot. Each year our class raises money to contribute to worthy causes, such as Ronald McDonald House, the American Red Cross or other charities. Classes have "adopted" children in far away countries and have contributed to Hurricane Katrina. But while monetary contributions are great, nothing gives the satisfaction of actually working with your hands to improve the lot of someone less fortunate.
Last Saturday, we participated in the Neighborhood Senior Services Fall Chore Day, raking leaves and changing the batteries in smoke alarms for senior citizens.
With participation from both the JCS 7th Grade students and their families, we bagged over 40 bags of leaves. More importantly, we reaffirmed our commitment to community values.
As part of the 7th Grade study of the meaning of Tikkun Olam, I teach that the world can be saved not just through large programs, but also through individual contributions and acts of social conscience. As parents and students we showed our willingness to leave the warmth and comfort of our homes to rake leaves on a cold and wet day in order to help those less fortunate than ourselves. I truly believe that the world can saved through such acts.
These kids are all 11 and 12 year olds. No one forced them to do this. It isn't a "requirement." But they and their parents all volunteered. I am proud of them all.
Special thanks to Suzy Jackson, mother of 7th Grade student Emma Jackson, for arranging the opportunity.
I teach Sunday school at the Jewish Cultural School, a Jewish secular institution located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. As part of the curriculum, we cover each individual's obligation to serve the community, to perform acts of Tzedakah or charity, and good deeds, or Mitzvot. Each year our class raises money to contribute to worthy causes, such as Ronald McDonald House, the American Red Cross or other charities. Classes have "adopted" children in far away countries and have contributed to Hurricane Katrina. But while monetary contributions are great, nothing gives the satisfaction of actually working with your hands to improve the lot of someone less fortunate.
Last Saturday, we participated in the Neighborhood Senior Services Fall Chore Day, raking leaves and changing the batteries in smoke alarms for senior citizens.
With participation from both the JCS 7th Grade students and their families, we bagged over 40 bags of leaves. More importantly, we reaffirmed our commitment to community values.
As part of the 7th Grade study of the meaning of Tikkun Olam, I teach that the world can be saved not just through large programs, but also through individual contributions and acts of social conscience. As parents and students we showed our willingness to leave the warmth and comfort of our homes to rake leaves on a cold and wet day in order to help those less fortunate than ourselves. I truly believe that the world can saved through such acts.
These kids are all 11 and 12 year olds. No one forced them to do this. It isn't a "requirement." But they and their parents all volunteered. I am proud of them all.
Special thanks to Suzy Jackson, mother of 7th Grade student Emma Jackson, for arranging the opportunity.
