Set Induction:
Welcome each child into your learning space that is used during this lesson, using Hebrew phrases of greeting. These phrases might include:
Shalom-Hello
Boker Tov- Good Morning
Bruchim Haba’im- Blessed are the people who come (alternatively, Baruch haba’a, singular, male or B’rucha haba’a singular, female)
After the children have congregated, discuss with them the process of greeting others.
Discussion questions might include:
- How does it feel when someone greets you?
- Did anyone notice what my face was doing while I was greeting the children ?(Be conscious of a smiling, inviting facial expression during the exercise.)
- When do you hear people greet one another in our community? In your home? Any other places?
Address children: Let’s practice!
Have students take turns leaving the classroom and re-entering while some students are designated greeters. Encourage the liberal use of Hebrew vocabulary, as appropriate, and smiling, friendly facial and body language.
Address children:
Today, we are learning about the Jewish value
Hachnasat Orchim, which means that we welcome new friends. Sometimes, we can call a new friend a visitor or guest. There is a special, famous story in the Torah about how the very first Jewish people, Abraham and Sarah, welcomed guests so we are going to watch a video to learn about that story. While we watch, try to remember the different ways that Abraham and Sarah welcomed their visitors.
Have children view
Shalom Sesame: Abraham and the Three Visitors
Ask and document the answer to the questions:
- What different ways did you see Abraham or Sarah practice Hachnasat orchim, welcoming new friends or visitors? (Abraham welcomed them by saying “Shalom,” showed them where to sit and be comfortable, offered them water and washed their feet, brought them plenty of his own favorite drinks and foods, introduced them to his family (wife, Sarah), thanked them for coming, etc…”
- In what ways are you able to welcome a new friend or visitor into your home or our school community?
From the suggestions that the children generate, create and post the guidelines for treating new friends, guests or visitors in your classroom.
Summarizing Activity:
Involve students in decorating a doormat, which will be the first thing that people see as they enter the classroom.
B’ruchim Habaim literally means “Blessed are those who come” but is typically translated as “Welcome”
Ask students to work together to decide what messages or images people should see when they enter their classroom. You could have students decorate the welcome mat with their handprints or pictures. Premade doormats can be painted or stenciled, or permanent markers can also be used to customize messages.