Share 4 points of modern research, and compare and contrast each of them with our unchanging Torah values. Used in The Torah's Unchanging Values Shabbaton.
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In this session, you will be sharing 4 points of modern research, one on each page of the newspaper handout, only to compare and contrast each of them with our unchanging Torah values.
Preparation
Cut out snippets of research articles that speak about practical, modern issues and modern approaches.
Overview of Procedure
For each snippet, ask NCSYers to think of areas of halachah or hashkafa that their snippet relates to.
Show how halachah treats these areas with tremendous sensitivity, down to the tiniest detail. Explain how this relates to the permanence of our values.
Also, very valuable to show loopholes are built into the system to recognize the various needs of the people.
Explanation of How Each Newspaper Article relates to a Torah Source
Topic #1: How do people change?
Hand out the newspaper article entitled "Doctor Figures Out How People Can Change Their Bad Habits." Have an NCSYer read the page out loud. Ask the reader, and then others, for their thoughts on what they just read. Ask the NCSYers if they know the Torah's approach on matters like this. Continue the conversation for a couple of minutes, until you feel the group is ready to move on.
Read Torah Source #1 ("Lo Sachmod"). Raise the question of whether or not any of the NCSYers think it is fair that the Torah should control the way we feel about things.
Read Torah Source #2 (Ibn Ezra). Explain how it is, effectively, CBT used as an area of growth. Highlight the following point: The Ibn Ezra told us that when someone knows the way they think in a deep way, they can change their behavior. The idea of growth and change is fundamental to the fabric of being a Torah Jew. Since none of us are perfect, we all need a method to enable change. The Ibn Ezra is sharing the tried and true historical method for change. The power to change is a system that we have known about for many millenia. 1960 was about 3,500 behind its predecessor, the Torah.
Let's see another sample of this.
Topic #2: To Be a Giving Person
Hand out the newspaper article entitled "Giving to Other People is Actually Good for You!" Have an NCSYer read the page out loud. Ask the reader, and then others, for their thoughts on what they just read. Ask the NCSYers if they know the Torah's approach on matters like this. Continue the conversation for a couple of minutes, until you feel the group is ready to move on.
Read Torah Source #3 ("Faso'ach tiftach es yadcha lo"). For us, it is not a theoretical idea that giving a good thing. It is part of our code of conduct. Every one, even poor people, must give to others. This value or moral is not just a nice thing to do. It is also a part of our Torah.
Read Torah Source #4 (Rambam). Focus on the fact that the research article found 10% to be the magic number far beyond the Rambam who lives 1,000 years ago. Happiness can be achieved by giving.
Topic #3: Morality
Hand out the newspaper article entitled "Yale Researchers Point a Gloomy Picture of Our Moral Compass." Have an NCSYer read the page out loud. Ask the reader, and then others, for their thoughts on what they just read. Ask the NCSYers if they know the Torah's approach on matters like this. Continue the conversation for a couple of minutes, until you feel the group is ready to move on.
Read Torah Source #5 (Rambam's 13 Principles of Faith). Focus on the fact that our morality was most certainly decided for us, and that in every generation it not just ok. It is great. The world around us decides morality based on basic emotions; the Torah is God given… and the values are everlasting.
Topic #4: Self-Discipline
Hand out the newspaper article entitled "Is Self-Restraint a Form of Deprivation? Or a Form of Freedom?"
Have an NCSYer read the page out loud. Ask the reader, and then others, for their thoughts on what they just read. Ask the NCSYers if they know the Torah's approach on matters like this. Continue the conversation for a couple of minutes, until you feel the group is ready to move on.
Read Torah Source #6 (R' Mordechai Becher). Judaism is set of rules that we were privileged to receive. This paragraph highlights one of the perks of Torah Judaism: the refinement of character. But at the end of the day, the key is about our relationship with Hashem.
Concluding Conversation
Our Torah’s values don’t change. The way we live and its deepest value is only now being unearthed as a highly meaningful way of life in addition to the fact that is God given. The Torah is more than just a collection of laws. It is a dynamic and complete system of laws, morals and values through which we can maximize our experience in our lives and our relationship with God.