Middle schoolers ship thanks notes to Capitol employees
The concept got here to the scholars as they mirrored on the occasions and tried to make sense of the headlines and video footage that gripped the nation, stated Chris Farrell, director of the center college.
School directors informed Source that academics on the Jewish day college — which is for college students in grades 6-12 — inspired college students to ask questions and helped information dialogue across the occasion.
“Middle school students reflected on prayers in our liturgy that are said daily and weekly for our country and our government,” Farrell informed Source. “They were encouraged to think about a personal prayer or note of thanks for our government leaders, those protecting the Capitol and our democracy, as well as the workers who had to restore order in the aftermath, as a beginning of a call to action.”
The center schoolers mentioned the riot via its historic and political context of their historical past and civics lessons. But additionally they mirrored on the essential second utilizing Jewish custom, Farrell stated.
“Seeing this kind of racism, bigotry and anti-Semitism on display during the Capitol riots really stirred some of our students up as a call to action to spread kindness and appreciation,” Rabbi Judd Levingston, director of Jewish Studies at Barrack, informed Source.
“I am so gratified that in a time of pandemic, protest and what happened at the Capitol, our students (at Barrack) still have faith in working toward justice, gratitude and ‘tikkun olam,’ helping to repair the world,” Farrell added. “There is work still to be done. They recognize and acknowledge that and are willing to take that on.”
Democratic Rep. Madeleine Dean, who represents most of the college students and their households, will ship the prayers and notes of gratitude to Capitol officers and upkeep employees on the Capitol constructing subsequent week, college directors stated.