9Adar is February 15-21, 2021 (Adar 3-9 5781)

18 Actions

Study/Teach

Talmud Torah Brings to Action

The tragic events of the 9th of Adar took place in and around a house of study between scholars arguing over Torah, in a destructive manner that can be described as NOT being for the sake of Heaven (lo l’shem shamayim). Therefore, a central way of commemorating this day is through studying and teaching either Jewish models of conflict resolution, such as mahloket l’shem shamayim  or studying and teaching texts in a manner that is in the spirit of constructive conflict.

The mishnah says “These are the things the fruits of which a man enjoys in this world and the principle of which remains for him in the world to come: …bringing peace between people, but the study of the Torah is equivalent to them all” (Mishnah Peah 1:1).

The Rambam comments “That when you look into the matter you will find that studying and teaching Torah (talmud torah) is indeed equal to all of these (good deeds mentioned in the mishnah, such as bringing peace between people), because through studying and teaching Torah a person will know all of these (good deeds) as we have explained elsewhere ‘that Talmud Torah (study and teaching) brings to action.’” (Rambam commentary on Mishnah Peah 1:1)

On this 9th of Adar, we want to ensure that the study of Torah truly inspires and informs us to be more mindful and capable in managing our conflicts in a constructive manner, so that the well-known rabbinic statement “Torah scholars increase peace in the world” can become a true statement.

Actions:

  • Write/Blog: Write an article, blog post, dvar torah (short words of Torah) about the day, Judaism and constructive conflict or about constructive conflict in general.
  • Study – Study sources with guiding questions by yourself or with a havruta (study partner], read an article, dvar torah or listen to a podcast that relates to Judaism and constructive conflict, or constructive conflict in general. See http://elmad.pardes.org/2014/01/9-adar-jewish-day-of-constructive-conflict/ for more information. 
  • Give a Dvar Torah – Give a dvar torah at your synagogue, around your shabbat table, amongst friends or colleagues. NOTE: Please make sure to include the following ingredients: (1) Mentioning the day; (2) Some Torah text; (3) practical application to life; (4) a good joke. See https://www.9adar.org/actions/teach/ for samples. 
  • Teach – Teach a class at your synagogue, home or workplace. NOTE: Please make sure to include the following ingredients: (1) Mentioning the day; (2) Some Torah text; (3) practical application to life; (4) a good joke. See https://www.9adar.org/actions/teach/ for samples. 
  • Announce/Share/Tell – Promote 9Adar in your community, share 9Adar Facebook page, or tell colleagues, family and friends about it. See https://www.9adar.org/get-involved/media-kit/ for ideas. 
  • Create – Create or share a piece of art, music, song, poetry, drawing, video, dance, joke or other creative ideas you may have, that inspire you and others to engage more mindfully and constructively in conflict with a bit of Jewish flavor.

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