The Ramah Fellows of Metro-Detroit were proud to introduce the 9th of Adar to some Hillel Day School students, albeit a few days after the 9th!
After asking the children questions about the schools of Beit Shammai and Beit Hillel, and what they know of their disagreements, we asked them to think more thoughtfully on how we can disagree in a more respectful way.
The students came up with some great tips for a better-framed disagreement, and we helped them out with a few more ideas in the spirit of rodef shalom.
To test their new skills in peaceful discussion, we designated the students into two groups, Beit Hillel and Beit Shammai. From there, we assigned each group a Jewish holiday to promote. It was upon representatives of the two groups to debate in a calm and mature way the merits of each group, and to try and peacefully agree and disagree on different issues.
The students are readily looking forward to another 9th of Adar commemoration next year!
Hillel Buechler
