Talmud Torah

Today's title is not only a famous phrase from the Talmud, but also the term used for afternoon Hebrew/Religious Schools in America and Europe during the earlier parts of the 20th century.

The Talmud on Kiddush 40b (yes, the Babylonian Talmud uses folio numbers for page numbers, and it is accepted to announce these page numbers) discusses a debate between two great rabbis. Rabbi Akiva and Rabbi Tarfon debated a concept at the heart of leading an active life; which is more important--study or action?

Rabbi Tarfon says action.

Rabbi Akiva says study.

The debate in the Talmud is quickly put to rest as those involved agree with Rabbi Akiva.
Why do you think study is more important than action?

If you disagree, first think of why R' Akiva's position is upheld, and then explain your perspective.

If you agree, what is wrong with action, and why does Rabbi Tarfon have his opinion?

Good luck. You don't have to use voice thread, but feel free to make a video acting out the Rabbis' views and coming to a conclusion to the questions.

VoiceThread

For the remainder of the year, we'll be trying something new for the blog posts. We recently discovered the education friendly section of Voicethread.com which will allow us to continue to respond to the value, but increase the ways we can respond. No longer are we restricted to just the written word; you may now write, draw, share images, videos, or voice through Voicethread.

Here is the link:
theadelsoneducationalcampus.ed.voicethread.com

Remember your user name is first.last name, and your password is the unique string of characters I showed you in class.

Head over to Voicethread now, and comment on this week's value. As this is our first time with Voicethread, write two responses on two different days to not only the value, but also to one another.

Be positive!
Mr. Sakofs

Giving someone the benefit of the doubt

It says in Pirkei Avot, Yehoshua ben Parachyah says: …Judge everyone favorably.

How important is it to you to judge people favorably? If you're not sure, try it out and how does that person react to you. These are the amazing interactions we can have with one another if attempt this.

Do you have any experiences to share which can help us understand how we can do this?

Be on the lookout for a new way of sharing your thoughts later this week.