Teaching Jewish Virtues: Sacred Sources and Arts Activities

Mastering middot and becoming a mensch . . .This helpful introduction to Jewish virtues (middot) provides substantive overviews of 22 key middot and includes extensive text study material from Tanach, Rabbinic and Post-Rabbinic sources, and the Siddur. Hundreds of imaginative arts activities (language, as well as visual arts, drama, movement, and music) stimulate creativity development and abstract thinking, and offer opportunities for spiritual reflection and expression with an emphasis on incorporating virtues into the "real" lives of students. Sample lesson plans and retreat schedule make this a practical resource for teachers from grades K through adult.Table of Contents:About MiddotAnavah: HumilityDan L'Chaf Zechut: Give the Benefit of the DoubtDibuk Chaverim: Cleaving to FriendsDin V'Rachamim: Justice and MercyEmet: TruthfulnessErech Apayim: Slow to AngerHachnassat Orchim: HospitalityLo Levayesh: Not EmbarrassingMalachah: IndustriousnessMiyut Sichah: Minimizing Small TalkNedivut: GenerosityOhev Zeh et Zeh/Mechabayd Zeh et Zeh: Loving and Honoring One AnotherOmetz Layv: CourageSamayach B'Chelko: Contentment with Your Lot/Makir et Mekomo: Knowing Your Place; Lo Tachmod: Not CovetingSayver Panim Yafot: A Pleasant DemeanorSh'lom Bayit: Peace in the Home/Peace in the FamilyShmiat HaOzen: Attentiveness/Being a Good ListenerShmirat HaGuf: Taking Care of Your BodySimchah: Joy and HappinessSomaych Noflim V'Rofay Cholim: Supporting and HealingTochechah: RebukingYirah: Awe and Reverence