The Torah commands us to keep Shabbat, but what if you're a doctor called to perform emergency surgery? We are commanded to honor our parents, but what if they forbid us from studying the Torah? These are the types of dilemmas that Talmudic rabbis have wrestled with for centuries.
 
This lesson plan will challenge your middle school students to think like Talmudic rabbis as they engage in guided discussions and debates about conflicting Jewish laws using real-life scenarios. 
 
To support this exploration, the lesson plan includes detailed guides that provide students with a clear understanding of the Torah and the Talmud. Whether your students are new to these texts or have some background knowledge, these guides offer a thorough overview to deepen their understanding.
 
The accompanying worksheets feature thought-provoking questions designed to help students practice thinking like Talmudic scholars.
 
Unit 1: The Torah and The Talmud
Students will adopt the mindset of Talmudic scholars as they participate in open discussions and debates. They’ll tackle ethical dilemmas such as a doctor called to work on Shabbat or a family deciding whether to eat non-kosher food.
 
Unit 2: Maimonides's Ladder of Tzedakah
Students will explore the concept of hierarchical giving by organizing eight cards featuring Maimonides's Ladder of Tzedakah. They will arrange the cards according to what they believe represents the highest moral values. This activity is designed to expand students' understanding of Jewish texts and values while encouraging critical thinking and fostering meaningful philosophical discussions.