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Teen “TEL” Curriculum: Hiddur Mitzvah

The TEL (Teens: Experience and Learning) post-b’nai mitzvah program focuses on the values of spiritual peoplehood that form the cornerstones of Reconstructionist Jewish education. Each curriculum focuses on a different value. Hiddur Mitzvah is a Hebrew expression meaning “beautification of a mitzvah,” which we here interpret as creativity in its broadest sense. 

The curricular units are:

  • Intro, Havayot 1-2 – Judaism & Film and Judaism & Literature
  • Havayah 3 – Judaism & Comedy
  • Havayah 4 – Judaism & Music
  • Havayah 5a – Judaism & Visual Arts: Intro and Marc Chagall
  • Havayah 5b – Judaism & Visual Arts: Tobi Kahn
  • Havayah 5c – Judaism & Visual Arts: Helene Aylon
  • Havayah 6 – Jewish Characters & Television

PLEASE NOTE: Because this curriculum is five years old and has not been updated, we encourage you to find newer or different texts, and newer, more relevant activities and scenarios to add to the existing material. We invite you to update the curriculum in the most effective way for your community and hope that you will share your newfound examples with other educators. You might want to consider adding new activities that include art, cooking and food based activities, drama, games/movement, music, storytelling and any other hands on activities that are appropriate for your current group of teens.  We welcome all feedback before, during, and after your use of the curriculum.  Please send your suggested additions to Jackie Land, jland@rrc.edu , who will create an updated resource bank for Tikkun Olam. If you have additional questions or comments, please contact Jackie. We’re excited to be able to partner with our educators in keeping this curriculum modern and relevant!

     
     
     

     

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    The Reconstructionist Network

    Serving as central organization of the Reconstructionist movement

    Training the next generation of groundbreaking rabbis

    Modeling respectful conversations on pressing Jewish issues

    Curating original, Jewish rituals, and convening Jewish creatives

    The Reconstructionist Network