“How did it feel when your wife died?” asks Isaac, a wide-eyed and serious fourth grader at Temple Shir Tikvah religious school in Winchester, Massachusetts. “I was very sad,” says Barry Kahn, a longtime temple member. “But it helped to know that the Caring Committee was there to support me.” Everyone in the room listens intently. Barry, 63, is at the religious school on this fall … [Read more...]
Learning to Care (Part 2): Elicit Stories with Interviews
January 10, 2016 by
“Will our guest want to talk about hard stuff, like when his wife died?” Isaac asks. ”He wants to tell you his story,” I assure the children. “He wants you to hear how he was helped by the Caring Committee.” This group of fourth graders at Temple Shir Tikvah’s religious school in Winchester, MA are preparing to interview congregants who have received support … [Read more...]
Learning to Care (Part 1): Introduce a Theme with Stories
December 8, 2015 by
“There was once a princess who had never cried.” So begins a story I am telling to a group of children late one fall afternoon. My task is to introduce them to the themes of compassion and g’milut chasadim, or acts of lovingkindness. When I first enter the room at Temple Shir Tikvah’s religious school in Winchester, MA, I see twenty fourth graders gathered around tables. They are typically … [Read more...]