Fall 2023

As third-fifth grade children wrestled with the text of Rivkah, they went to the studio to process their thoughts with clay.

The project above left shows how a third grade boy explored the sharp and broken relationship between Ya’akov (Jacob) and Esav (Esau). Working with the clay to reflect on the brothers’ ties led him to consider distinctions between a person’s inner life and their outward actions. The boy decided that how Ya’akov behaved might not be the same as how Ya’akov thought and felt.

The child’s deep dive into Ya’akov and Esav’s relationship led him to examine his own inner life. He came to a new understanding about his own mind and behavior.

Our ancient Torah text breathes life into children’s development as humans. Amazing.