Adam Carpenter – Head of Jewish Life Primary

In Jewish Studies, Year 3 has been delving into stories from the book of Genesis, using an interactive workbook called ‘Explorer’s Bible’. This workbook contains child friendly translations of the stories, questions to encourage deeper thinking, traditional interpretations and fun activities that connect values and themes to our lives today. Taking the idea that תורה Torah means ‘teachings’, we then see how the lives and stories of the people in the Torah can teach and guide us in our world today to make good choices and be our best selves.

Students learn traditional midrashim and are then invited to create their own midrashim to add their insights and understandings to the stories. For example, in the Cain and Abel story, students learnt Cain and Abel had a conversation in a field before Abel was killed, but the Torah does not specify the details of that conversation. Students read Midrash Bereshit Rabbah 22.7, which imagines an argument between the brothers over property, which leads to Cain attacking Abel. Students were then asked to imagine a different conversation between the brothers that would have produced a better result.

Here are some examples of the Year 3 students’ creative and kind problem solving:

Cain could have said: “Abel, could you help me find a good gift for God, to help me be a better person and to care more of others.” By Hannah Green

Cain could have said: “Brother, can you teach me what to give to God so my offering will be accepted.” By Brody Reid

Cain should have said: “Abel, can we go and talk to God and then talk it out.” By Leia Pager

After reading the Noah’s Ark story, students reflected on the idea of what it means to be a צדיק – a good, righteous person and shared their ideas: