Open Lion Winter 2003 Home

Winter 2003

Menshlekheit Matters
By Micha Desman

Seventh-grade families at Kehillat Israel, Pacific Palisades discuss Jewish values in the Menshlekheit Matters program. Ninety 7th-grade parents sat with their children one evening, debating how Hillel’s words, "If I am only for myself, what am I?" applied to their own lives. They had already studied the mitzvah of rodef shalom—pursuing peace—in their classroom text, Jewish Heroes, Jewish Values, where they’d examined the life of Yitzchak Rabin, and in Making a Difference, where they’d learned how to develop conflict-resolution skills. Now the families had to figure out what they could do to bring peace to those around them. They were part of "Menshlekheit Matters," a new program developed by Congregation Kehillat Israel, Pacific Palisades, California. The new character development program helps students and their families explore and develop universal and Jewish values, with an emphasis on how they shape character, and how they can promote menschlekeit among young teenagers. Menshlekheit Matters was conceived last year by Nancy Prager Levin, then the Director of Education at Kehillat Israel, and Eden Bernardy, a teacher. It is currently being implemented by Mark Casso, Director of Education, and Micha Desman, Assistant Director. The program is an adaptation of "Character Counts," a program created for secular organizations by Michael Josephson, founder of the Josephson Institute of Ethics in Los Angeles. Mr. Josephson chose Kehillat Israel as a prototype for a nation-wide program. Families study in the sanctuary at Kehillat Israel. Character Counts helps children and adults develop the Six Pillars of Character (Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship). A seventh pillar—ruchaniyut (spirituality)—was added this year, as part of Rabbi Steven Carr Reuben and Rabbi Sheryl Lewart’s synagogue-wide theme of strengthening Jewish spirituality. Mitzvah programs are not new to Kehillat Israel. The synagogue is known in the community for its Mega-Mitzvah Day, which began as an annual religious school program seven years ago, and grew to attract 750 people to about 30 programs throughout the community last year. Activities include staffing a pet adoption agency and building houses with Habitat for Humanity. With Michael Josephson’s help, Menshlekheit Matters will expand this year to cover Kindergarten through 7th grades, as well as all family holiday programs. Mark and Micha’s goal is for families to deepen their spiritual lives, bring mitzvot into their homes, and build character and a stronger Jewish identity. Micha Desman is Assistant Director of Education, Kehillat Israel, Pacific Palisades, CA. For more information e-mail micha.desman@kehillatisrael.org.

© 2008 Behrman House, Inc., Springfield, NJ. (800) 221-2755 Home | Privacy Policy| Contact Us