Ma Koreh
Adam Carpenter – Head of Jewish Life Primary
Year 3 are currently exploring the Torah stories from the book of Genesis. Having read the opening stories they are now looking at the origin story of the Jewish people, starting with Abram and Sarai. After reading stories connected to Parasha Lech Lecha and the covenant established between God and Abram, students read a classic midrash about Abram working in his father’s idol shop. In this midrash, Abram is portrayed as an iconoclast who challenged the status quo of polytheism and idolatry of his time. Through this midrash, the rabbis answered the question of why God chose Abram to begin the Jewish people. Through the actions of Abraham, students also learnt about the mitzvah of hachnasat orchim – welcoming strangers and shalom bayit – making peace within the home and family.
Students then applied their learning to create their own midrash about why God chose Abram and, inspired by the moral values of Abraham, wrote beautiful ‘moral compass awards’ to acknowledge people in their lives.
