Lilith Stories: Exploring and Writing Midrashim
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Lilith Stories: Exploring and Writing Midrashim

grades:  Middle School (6-8) 

Lesson Summary:

In this "Go and Learn" guide from the Jewish Women's Archive, we explore the notion of midrash and highlight "The Coming of Lilith" by theologian Judith Plaskow as an example of how contemporary Jewish feminists have created their own midrashim—retellings of biblical stories—in order to incorporate women s viewpoints into the traditional texts of Judaism. In writing their own versions of these texts, Plaskow and her peers have made Judaism more inclusive of the voices and perspectives of all people who engage in its teachings.


Enduring Understandings:

  • Religion needs the voices of many to be truly inclusive. 
  • Midrash helps Jews connect ourselves and our modern experiences with the ancients and their understanding of the universe.

Essential Questions:

  1. How does religion help people understand the world around them? 
  2. What texts or sources should have the most authority over how a religion is practiced?

Be Inspired:The ideas included are offered as starting points as you and your students explore, discover and live the lessons. Be sure to elicit and encourage student and parent participation, consistently reinforcing the value being addressed. Allow lessons to authentically develop and change based on engagement and interests.


Lesson Plan Components

For the educatorJewish Thought, Text, and Traditionsmore

Jewish every dayIncorporate Jewish Valuesmore

Materials and resourcesmore


Materials

(accessible via link below, in "procedure" section)

  • Copies of Alphabet of Ben Sira
  • copies of The Coming of Lilith
  • copies of Genesis excerpt
  • copies of Lilith midrash
  • paper
  • pens/pencils
  • white board or butcher paper

abc5more





Explore, Discover, and More Extension and Reinforcement Activitiesmore

Music Connectionsmore


Evidence of Learningmore

  • Students will know what midrash is and what purpose it serves. 
  • Students will be able to explain the benefits and shortcomings of using traditional texts and modern midrashim to learn about the Jewish religion.

HOME AND COMMUNITY CONNECTIONSmore


Lesson Contributors

The Jewish Women’s Archive is a national public history organization dedicated to telling the stories of Jewish women and inspiring change and inclusivity in communities everywhere. The collections and encyclopedia on jwa.org invite learners of all ages to connect with role models from history and today. Nearly 100 lesson plans for kids, families, and adults help Jewish educators weave stories about identity and activism into programs about Jewish values, holidays, and ritual. And, JWA’s professional development programs and trainings encourage educators to connect with one another to create new ways of engaging the communities they serve. As we say at JWA, “You cannot be what you cannot see,” so check us out anytime, anywhere, at jwa.org.

RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS PAGE:

VALUESmore

HISTORYmore

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