JKG Sunday 8.30.20

Second Year B’nei Mitzvah Class: Becoming a B’nei Mitzvah

Playing group get-to-know-you games to build connections with our classmates and teachers.
Discussing what it means to become a B’nei Mitzvah, and what it will mean in terms of our roles in different communities.
Learned what it means to be a part of a Kehillah Kedosha (sacred community).

What does it mean to become a B’nei Mitzvah to you?
What is a Kehillah Kedosha (sacred community) supposed to do, in your opinion?
What are some communities that are special to you in your life?

Discussing what it means to be a community and reviewing our classroom “community” agreements.
Thinking about Jewish communities and why it’s important to have others to celebrate your culture with, and talking about how our Jewish Patriarchs and Matriarchs relate to this.
Challenging ourselves to find 10 things that we have in common with each of our peers.
Playing name games and sharing our unique qualities, interests, and talents.
Discussing what it means to become a B’nei Mitzvah, and getting an overview of the JKG B’nei Mitzvah Program that we are a part of.

Expanding our definition of neighbors! They come in all forms, from the people who live next door to people who live around the world.
Taking the time to learn similarities and differences between ourselves and our classmates--and how to love and respect them.
Thinking through scenarios and how we would respond in loving ways.

Is there anyone in our neighborhood that you think could use some help or company?
What are small ways that you can help the people around you?

Having a conversation about our differences and similarities.
Learning about what it means to respect each other and treat all humans equally.
Exploring how everyone sees things differently by looking at illusions as a class.

Discussing what it means to be a mensch. What qualities make up a mensch?
Reading Ordinary Mary’s Extraordinary Deed to learn all about mensch qualities.
Brainstorming ways we can go out of our way to make new and old friends feel welcome!

Making a “Mensch Me” to discuss the key characteristics of being a mensch and the “bad deeds” that prevent us from being a mensch.
Reading Estie the Mensch and brainstorming examples of mitzvot.

Reading Bagels from Benny and discussing how we can help make the world a better place through our actions.
Discussing the idea of giving charity as a "commandment", which is how it is traditionally seen in Judaism.
Playing drama games that help us brainstorm different ways that we can give back to our community.