Volume 30 Issue 17 11 Jun 2021 1 Tammuz 5781

Ma Koreh

Adam Carpenter – Head of Jewish Life Primary

Year 5 students are exploring the purpose and role of ברכות – blessings, in our lives and in Jewish tradition. We have been thinking about the formulation of blessings, when they are recited and reflecting on whether blessings are for God’s benefit, our benefit, or both. 

Our learning will soon focus on the deeper meaning of the Hebrew words that comprise a blessing. For example:

  • The word אתה means ‘you’ (for a male). We will ask why this word was chosen and whether this means God is masculine?
  • The word מלך means ‘king’. We think about this word beyond its literal translation and what idea about God it is portraying.  

Using our School siddur, we have read and reflected on various blessings of appreciation that are part of our tradition. These included blessings upon seeing something beautiful in nature, receiving news – both good and bad and seeing a rainbow. 

Students have also created their own bracha of gratitude and appreciation for something in their life. These blessings were beautiful, unique expressions of each student’s values and life experiences.