This week, the 6th graders had a sub, Jonathan
Shecter, with whom they focused on the story of Samson. They read portions of
the original text aloud (Judges 13 – 16),
and discussed language and plot along the way to ensure understanding. They
then used the story to delve deeper into two topics: 1) Nazirites, and their
role and responsibilities in ancient Jewish life, and 2) the character of
Delilah, who plays a confusing role in the Hebrew Bible, and one that is
difficult to interpret. The students were asked to write a monologue from
Delilah’s point of view, seeking to understand (without changing the fact of
the story) why she might have done what she did. It was up to the students
whether they wished to make her character sympathetic or not. I heard great
things from Jonathan about the students’ participation and comprehension, and
look forward to discussing their experience with Samson when I next see them.
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