Jewish Learning Lab–Not Your Ordinary Hebrew School–Enduring Understandings–What’s the Big Idea(s)?
● Being Jewish means putting beliefs into actions, by doing Mitzvot–commandments, Tzedakah–charity/justice, G’milut Chasadim–acts of loving kindness, and Tikkun Olam–repairing the world.
● B’tzelem Elohim–being created in G-d’s image–is a Jewish concept that highlights the Divine qualities in each and every person. Awareness of these qualities guides us in how we treat ourselves, others and the world around us.
● Jews are connected to each other through shared history, traditions and purpose. We strengthen the vitality of the Jewish People when we identify, engage and take responsibility for one another.
● Over the generations the Jewish People have interpreted, questioned and commented on Jewish text. Through study, we become active participants in this ongoing process, add our voices, and make it relevant to our lives.
● There is a wide range of authentic Jewish belief. Jewish life is both enriched and challenged by the diversity of individual Jewish expressions.
● Holidays and rituals are the framework and rhythms for marking the overlapping cycles of Jewish life.
● Jewish Prayer is an ongoing conversation with G-d and generations past. It can be a source of strength, comfort and inspiration in our lives.
● Israel is central to the Jewish story as our common homeland, therefore we are called to engage with the land, people, history and the modern State of Israel.
● Hebrew is the language of the Jewish People and the key that unlocks access to the prayers, thoughts and dreams of our People across miles and generations.