Torah Study: A Family Experience
An Introduction to using the weekly Torah Portion for family discussion and reflection

 

                Each week we study the weekly Torah portion.  Each year we are able to learn something new from the same words that we have read the year before.  As we grow older and experience more we are able to see things in a different light and our experiences change how we will understand the text.  The same is true of our children.  As they grow old, our understanding of them changes. 

                Our children learn the weekly Parsha at school each week.  In each grade they are able to understand different more mature concepts.  They are able to use their experiences and knowledge to conceptualize the meaning of each Parsha.  To them they are not only stories, they are lessons.

                In order for us as parents to be able to do the same thing each week I have prepared a short D’var Torah (Parsha summary) on one topic of the Parsha (keep in mind that most Parshiyot contain many stories and concepts).  In these summaries, I provide some suggestions for practical use in our homes. 

                At the end of each summary you will find two sections for use as a springboard for weekly discussions and activities.  In the AS A FAMILY section, you will find suggested activities to do as a family based on the concept(s) I have brought forward.  These activities are age appropriate for the entire family.  Parents, grandparents and children should all be involved.  If our children do not see us excited and involved in learning, they will not be.  In the FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION section, you will find discussion questions based on the entire Parsha.  These questions are based on the part of the Parsha that I have not written about each week.  Your children should be able to answer these questions.  Some of them are age appropriate and your child(ren)’s class may not have covered that part of the Parsha this year.  These questions make for great discussion on Friday evening at the Shabbat table or on Saturday afternoon for Shabbat lunch.  Keep in mind that most classes discuss the Parsha on Fridays as part of their Kabbalat Shabbat activities.

                As the year progresses please find archived Divrei Torah (Parsha summaries) on the school’s website.  I hope you enjoy reading them and learn as much as I did writing them.

                Daniel R. Weiss
                Director of Judaic Studies
                Greenfield Day School