A Child's Book of Midrash: 52 Jewish Stories from the Sages
on Goodreads (6)
What’s inside...
Presents stories of heroic individuals from the Talmud and Midrash.
Age
7-12
Length
110 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What lessons do you think the sages wanted us to learn from these stories?
How do the choices made by the characters in the stories affect their outcomes?
What qualities do the heroes in these stories have that you admire?
Can you think of a time when you acted like one of the characters in the story?
How do these stories make you feel about being kind and helping others?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading each story, ask your child what they expect to learn from it. This sets a purposeful mindset.
Relate the morals from the stories to everyday situations your child might encounter. This helps them apply the lessons learned.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings to the stories. This enhances creative thinking and perspective-taking.
Discuss the historical and cultural context of the stories to deepen understanding and appreciation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Through stories that capture the dilemmas and triumphs of Jewish sages, children learn to put themselves in others' shoes.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be more understanding and compassionate towards their peers and family members.
Example Lesson: Importance of wisdom and asking questions
Explanation: The tales emphasize the revered place of wisdom and the significance of questioning in Jewish tradition.
Real-World Application: Children are motivated to value education, remain curious, and not shy away from asking questions to deepen their understanding.
Example Lesson: Value of community and collaboration
Explanation: Many stories depict people working together to overcome challenges, highlighting the strength found in community.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the importance of teamwork and cooperation in achieving common goals whether in school projects or family activities.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Characters in the stories often face tough situations but show perseverance and strength, teaching resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can mirror this resilience in personal challenges, whether in academics, sports, or relationships.
Example Lesson: Respect for diversity and different perspectives
Explanation: The stories include varied perspectives and solutions to problems, illustrating the diversity of thought.
Real-World Application: This can help children appreciate diverse viewpoints and encourage open-mindedness in social interactions and learning environments.