Adam Carpenter – Head of Jewish Life Primary

To begin our Jewish learning journey for the 2019, students in Years 3-6 have been delving into and reflecting upon a teaching from Pirke Avot. Pirke Avot (which is often translated as the Chapters/Ethics of our Fathers/Ancestors) is a collection of wisdom literature and teachings found in the Mishnah and dates back to the First Century CE. 

For the next few weeks, we will share aspects of the students’ thinking and how we have made connections between the teachings and ideas of Pirke Avot and our Jewish learning today. This week we visit Year 4.

To help unpack this teaching, students worked in groups and focused on one aspect of the quote. This is a sample of their thinking on the first instruction, which was to find a mentor or teacher.

Who are the mentors/teachers in our classroom?

• all of our different class and specialist teachers
• the student teacher assistants
• other students.

Who helps our learning?

• our teachers
• parents
• madrichim
• classmates
• us! I am in charge of my own learning.

How can we help the learning in our class?

• by trying our best
• by listening
• by being focused
• not distracting others
• by being respectful and responsible
• by helping our classmates and being kind.

If you are interested in exploring Pirke Avot further, try the following links:

• Background and context: www.myjewishlearning.com/article/pirkei-avot-ethics-of-our-fathers/
• Full text can be found here: www.sefaria.org/Pirkei_Avot?lang=bi
• How can you help the learning of others in the classroom?