Let's Explore Being Jewish Mitzvot As we study ... - Behrman House

Let’s Explore Being Jewish
Mitzvot
As we study mitzvot, God’s commandments to the Jewish people, we will see that some
mitzvot teach us how to behave toward God, while other mitzvot deal with the way we treat
people. We will examine the significance of a number of mitzvot, including sh’lom bayit (peace
in the home), kibbud av va-em (honoring parents), hakhnasat orhim (welcoming guests), tza’ar
ba’alei hayyim (caring for animals), bal tash’hit (protecting the environment), tzedakah, bikkur
holim (visiting the sick), talmud torah (study and learning), derekh eretz (good behavior), and
ahavat Yisrael (loving Israel).
The Synagogue
As we learn about the synagogue, we will become familiar with its functions as a house
of prayer, a meeting house, and a house of learning. We will understand that there have been
synagogues in Jewish communities around the world for thousands of years. We will learn about
the most important objects in the sanctuary, such as the Holy Ark, where the Torah is kept, and
the Eternal Light. We will also discuss prayer and learn about the roles of the rabbi, cantor, and
educators.
Jewish Symbols
As we explore Jewish symbols found in our homes and synagogues, we will learn that
they are reminders of our Jewish tradition and history. Among the symbols we will identify are
the Magen David (Star of David), mezuzah, menorah, shofar, and luhot habrit (Ten
Commandments).
Israel: People and Places
As we learn about the people and places of Israel, we will see that Israel is a modern
country with its own cities, language, money, flag, and culture. We will learn that Israel is a
place where Jews come from around the world to visit or live, and that Israel is called the Jewish
homeland. We will discuss Yom Ha’atzma’ut, the birthday of the State of Israel and the
relationship between ancient and modern Israel.
Israel: A City Tour
As we study Israel, we will learn about Israel’s major cities and special places, such as
Jerusalem, Masada, Eilat, Beersheva, Haifa, and Tel Aviv. We will see that Israel is a modern
country with a very old history, and we will become acquainted with the diversity of animals and
natural settings in Israel.
The Bible
As we examine the Jewish Bible, we will learn that it is called the Tanakh and is
comprised of the Torah (Five Books of Moses), Nevi’im (Prophets), and Ketuvim (Writings). We
will learn that the Torah is written in the form of a scroll and that it is the first and most
important part of the Tanakh. Nevi’im contains the stories of Israel’s prophets, judges, and kings,
while Ketuvim contains the five megillot and other stories about how our people used to live in
ancient Israel.

The Life Cycle
As we learn about the events that characterize the Jewish life cycle, we will see that they
are marked with special ceremonies and celebrations. Jewish learning begins with Consecration
and continues to Bar and Bat Mitzvah, Confirmation, and beyond. We will learn that the
beginning of life is marked with celebration, and the end of life is made an occasion for
remembering.