A few weeks ago, I asked the students to search for words that contained the Hebrew root [קדש] in their siddurim (prayer books). Each student came up with a fairly extensive list, and we shared some our findings with the class:

The students identified the various words they found as all having something to do with holiness. We discussed the word hallowed (honor as holy), as well as sanctify (to make something holy). We used examples such as grape juice and challah, ordinary items on any other day, but made holy by blessing them with words of Kiddush and Motzi.

Yesterday, in review of these ideas, I asked the students to go on a scavenger hunt around the TBI in search of holy objects. Some of their findings included, the Torah, m’zuzot, a kiddush cup, a shofar, and a stained glass window depicting Jacob’s ladder. As they presented their items they had to describe to the class what each item was, and why they considered it to be holy.

We will continue to explore the idea of holiness and how it relates to how we interact and observe in the Jewish world. Eventually this concept and others will connect with a greater theme of the curriculum of 6th grade, the idea of Revelation. Revelation is how God reveals God’s self to the Jewish people. We started this topic in the context of how God revealed God’s self to Noah and to Abraham. There will be much more to come on this concept in the coming weeks.

Chag Urim Sameach, may your Chanukah be filled with joy and light!