This week and last, Kitah Dalet focused on the Prophet and
Judge Samuel, beginning with his family (especially his mother, Hannah), and
leading up through his time as a Judge of Ancient Israel, through the war with
the Philistines and the loss and return of the Ark of the Covenant.
Samuel’s story gave us much cause for discussion: we talked
about the role of animal sacrifice in Ancient Israel and the place sacrifice
takes in modern-day Judaism, the importance and ramifications of silent prayer,
the symbolism of names in the Tanakh, and
the contents and importance of the Ark of the Covenant, among other things.
After reading through the story out loud, students were asked to think and
write independently about these questions before coming together and discussing
as a group. I am more and more impressed by Kitah Dalet’s ability to comprehend
and elaborate on the complex and abstract concepts brought up by the stories we
study; I’m always excited to hear what they have to say.
Next week, we will continue with the story of Samuel, moving
towards the appointment of Saul and the beginning of the reign of the Kings of
Israel.
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