Grades 7-8 Halakha/Jewish Law Tracking Down Amalek This webquest helps students explore the history of the conflict with Amalek from the Tanakh and through history. By Beth Wisenberg Rosh Chodesh Brochure Based on the halachot in Masechet Rosh Hashana and Hilchot Kiddush Hachodesh of the Rambam, this brochure calls upon Jews who see the new moon to testify at the High Court in Jerusalem. In Hebrew. Written by Shalom Berger and Tzvi Harris. Birkat Hamazon 1 This lesson introduces students to the unit and encourages them to consider the purpose of Birkat Hamazon. They will then compose their own version of the prayer. Birkat Hamazon  2 In havrutah , students read the text of Birkat Hamazon and determine the main themes of the prayer. Birkat Hamazon  3 This lesson is a continuation of lesson 2. Birkat Hamazon  4 In this lesson, students will study Judaism’s sanctification of day-to-day material objects and actions, specifically the sanctification of eating that is reflected in Birkat Hamazon. Birkat Hamazon  5 In this lesson, students will explore the idea that God the provider of all things, including food. Birkat Hamazon will be seen as a means of showing gratitude for the food that God has provided. Birkat Hamazon  6 In this lesson, students will learn about the Temple and the role that Birkat Hamazon plays in mourning and coping with its loss. Birkat Hamazon  7 In this lesson, students will examine Birkat Hamazon as an inspiration for caring for the environment. Students will will study sources pertaining to Judaism’s approach to environmental ethics. Birkat Hamazon  8 In this lesson students will analyze Birkat Hamazon as a prayer and then as a blessing. Birkat Hamazon  9 In this lesson students will explore different approaches towards mitzvot and apply them to Birkat Hamazon. The concept, role and purpose of mitzvot will be examined. Birkat Hamazon 10 In this lesson, Birkat Hamazon will be used as a springboard to other Jewish texts. Students will study and analyze the biblical sources found in Birkat Hamazon. Birkat Hamazon 11 In this lesson students will explore Birkat HaMazon in the context of Jewish ritual and law by studying the Kitzur Shulhan Arukh (in Hebrew or in English). Students will learn about the laws and customs of this liturgy and compare customs from different Jewish communities. Birkat Hamazon 12 This lesson contains a review test for assessment purposes. Researching the Development of Torah She Be'al Peh (Project) 1 This is a self-directed project in which students create a timeline of the development of Torah Sheh Ba'al Peh. Rosh Hashana as a Day of Judgment 1 Students engage in independent text-study to learn about Rosh Hashana as a day of judgment. Rosh Hashana as a Day of Judgment  2 Students engage in independent text-study to learn about Rosh Hashana as a day of judgment. Social Action and Responsibility 1 Students are introduced to the the concept of "Tikkun Olam" and study several Jewish sources. They arrive at a working definition of the term chesed. Social Action and Responsibility  2 This lesson focuses on the Jewish obligation to reach out to help those who are less fortunate. Social Action and Responsibility  3 This lesson explores the concept of Tzedakah. Social Action and Responsibility  4 This lesson connects the concept of Tzedakah to our obligation to help eradicate poverty and injustice around the world. Social Action and Responsibility  5 What is the connection between Tikkun Olam and our obligation to care for our planet and its creatures? Social Action and Responsibility  6 Students review basic terms (chesed and tzeddakah) and are given their final assignment—-to research and produce a written or video advertisement for their favorite tikkun olam cause. Unit on Thievery and Fraud for Junior High Schools and High Schools This unit on gzela and gneva includes sources in Hebrew and English and study questions. By Yehuda Eisenberg. Reproduced with permission. A Curriculum in Tefilla for Yeshiva Day Schools This curriculum outline for Orthodox day schools will be helpful to teachers teaching tefilla for the first time. Includes emotional, cognitive and skill goals, models for instruction, a discussion on kavanah, and more. The Perfect Shabbat Egg Salad A quest to create a recipe for egg salad that can be prepared on Shabbat without violating the Melakhot of Borer, Tochain or Lash. By Layah Bergman Have you written or seen a WebQuest or lesson plan that's at least as good as these? Fill out the short submission form and we'll look it over! Return to the Lookstein Lesson Plans page.