Kosher Explorers unit begins!

We began our Kosher Explorers unit on the laws of kashrut this week. This fabulous unit of study offers practical, hands-on lessons about a variety of topics, including:

• the laws of milk and meat
• kosher certification
• kosher animals, fish and birds
• the laws of shechitah (ritual slaughter)

This week, the focus is on the laws of milk and meat. Students will learn:

• the Torah's formulation of this principle and the ways in which the rabbis expand it
• the various customs concerning waiting between eating milk and meat and the rationale behind them
• whether we may benefit from a mixture of milk and meat

Before the unit began, students completed a short survey in which they outlined what they already know about the topic and what they'd like to learn more about. At the end of the unit, students will identify what they have learned in the unit. This allows students to quantify their knowledge and measure their academic success. A similar survey will be administered at the beginning of each of our Kosher Explorer unit.

Portfolios: Another way students will measure their success in this unit is by keeping a portfolio of work - handouts, creative writing, and other evidence of learning - that will chart their growth through the unit. These portfolios will go on display at the Mitzvah Fair. You''ll hear more about our portfolios in the near future. In the meantime, a brief description of the benefits of the portfolio process appears as a link in the 'Educational Materials' section of this blog.