Making Mensches: A Periodic Table
Inspired by Tiffany Shlain’s Periodic Table of Character Strengths
“The Maharal of Prague (Rabbi Yehudah Loeb, d. 1609) created a golem, and this was a great wonder. But how much more wonderful is it to transform a corporeal human being into a mensch!” - Rabbi Israel Salanterwisdom
courage
honor
justice
moderation
transcendence
featured
These 7 Middot, or character traits, are keys to success, according to Paul Tough in his book, How Children Succeed.
Jewish ethics are based on the idea that we are created in the Divine image. The Kabbalah imagined that HaShem is revealed in a number of attributes, or sfirot, which correspond to our highest aspirations for human character.
The highest sfirah, attribute, not understood in a human context.
Resources
Are you looking for ways to use the entire table in a program? Are you looking for a resource that references more than one middah (value)? Click on a resource below! Click here for a PDF of the periodic table!
Programs
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What’s Your Mussar?
A Cornerstone program written by Sara Beth Berman. -
URJ Camp Harlam's Middah Zoo Program
URJ Camp Harlam created this program for campers that allows them to learn values through the animals that exhibit them. -
Stretch Those Quads (4 Corners of Jewish Values)
A Cornerstone program written by Sara Beth Berman. -
Mensch Perfect Challenge Cards
Challenge your campers and staff to physically explore different values!
Texts
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Camp Ramah's Wisconsin's Aliyot Values Project
Jeremy Fineberg from Camp Ramah Wisconsin created a document that takes the summer Torah portions and breaks it up by Aliya, matching the story of that verse with a value. He then connected the value to the reason to call up to the Torah an individual in camp who had exhibited that value in the week prior. -
Periodic Table PDF
A PDF version of the Periodic Table for printing!
Media
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The Making of a Mensch
This video from Tiffany Shlain's Let It Ripple film series takes the science their film "The Science of Character" and reframes it through the lens of the ancient Jewish teachings of Mussar. The film and discussion materials are an opportunity to revitalize these teachings around character development that date back to the 10th century, and reengage us all in how these Jewish tools are applicable to our 21st century lives. -
Mensch Perfect
Check out this video about "Mensch Perfect" FJC's educational provider for making mensches through physical movement.
Who You Are
Help us be more mensch-like! We have a few questions we are #curious about, share your #wisdom by filling out a few questions below to help us best serve you!
Wisdom
חכמה
Hochma
01 wi
- Info
- Programs
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- Texts
Wisdom
Who is wise? The one who learns from every person.
(Pirkei Avot 4:1)
The quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgement.
Wisdom, or Hochma, is a key aspect of being a mensch! At camp we learn from each person we encounter and gain wisdom along the way.
Do you have a program, text, or media resource related to this value? Send it our way: teri@jewishcamp.org.
Wisdom
- Who is wise? (We are!)
- A Cornerstone program by Sara Beth Berman
- Frog Hunting
- A Cornerstone program by Daniel Abramson
- Wisdom in Parshat Devarim
- A program from Herzl Camp
Wisdom
- Lion King Clip
- Clip from Lion King with quote “The past can hurt, but the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it.”
- Wisdom
- A video that shares advise from individuals who have lived to be 100 years old
Wisdom
- The Collective Wisdom is Greater Than You
- An article sharing how a leader must instill collective wisdom.
- Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit…
- A quote by Miles Kington
- Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins
- A book by Eric Kimmel
- Sefaria source sheet
- Commentary and discussion on a Pirkei Avot quote about wisdom.
Understanding
בינה
Bina
04 wi
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- Programs
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- Texts
Understanding
“Any fool can know. The point is to understand.”
-Albert Einstein
The power of comprehending; sympathetically aware of other people’s feelings.
Understanding, or Bina, allows one to become a mensch! Places where we feel comfortable, like camp, give us the opportunity to learn how to understand ourselves and others.
Do you have a program, text, or media resource related to this value? Send it our way: teri@jewishcamp.org.
Understanding
- Theater: Massaging the Tight Spots – Session 1
- A Cornerstone program by Jonathon Adam Ross
- Theater: Massaging the Tight Spots – Session 2
- A Cornerstone program by Jonathon Adam Ross
- Spin it Torah – Stick With It
- A Cornerstone program by Jonathan Adam Ross and Caroline Rothstein
- Making Meaningful Moments – Session 1
- A Cornerstone program by Akiko Yonekawa
- Making Meaningful Moments – Session 2
- A Cornerstone program by Akiko Yonekawa
- Making Meaningful Moments – Session 3
- A Cornerstone program by Akiko Yonekawa
- Guess Who? Building Stronger Relationships by Asking Better Questions
- A Cornerstone program by Abby Uhrman
- 7 Habits of Highly Effective (Camp) People
- A Cornerstone Program by Efriam Yudewitz
- What does it make out of U and ME? Examining Our Assumptions About Our Campers
- A Cornerstone program by Sarra Alpert
- Let Me Tell You A Story” Red Auerbach, Role Modeling, and Group Sharing
- A Cornerstone program by Efriam Yudewitz
- Working with Young Campers – Session 1
- A Cornerstone program by Asya Gribov
- What’s Your Personality Style?
- A Cornerstone program
Understanding
- Point of View
- A commercial that reminds us we can only truly understand something when we look at it from multiple angles.
- Brene Brown on Empathy
- In this animated short, Brene Brown describes empathy (as opposed to just sympathy) and its importance.
Understanding
- Engaging with Binah
- A guide for talking to campers about binah from URJ Camp Harlam
- Understanding – Binah
- Quotes and discussion questions from the Torah, movies, and famous figures about Binah
Sensibility
דעת
Daat
08 wi
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Sensibility
“All the deficiencies are in reality only deficiencies of ‘daat’ (realization of knowledge), as the Talmud revealed, if one has daat he has everything, and if one does not have daat, he has nothing.”
-Ramban
The ability to appreciate and respond to the sometimes complex emotions of yourself and others.
In order to be a mensch you have to have sensibility, or daat. Our experiences at camp allow us to bridge the gap between concepts and reality.
Mensch in progress… Come back soon for additional resources! Do you have a program, text, or media resource related to this value? Send it our way: teri@jewishcamp.org.
Sensibility
- When prayers come true and sometimes don’t…
- A Cornerstone program by Shalom Orzach
Sensibility
- Ten Jewish Sensibilities
- This article by Vanessa L. Ochs offers 10 Jewish Sensibilities on how Judaism informs our lives.
- Jewish Sensibility
- Ariel Beery on Jewish Sensibility and being part of a larger community.
Curiosity
סקרנות
Sakranut
15 wi
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- Programs
- Media
- Texts
Curiosity
“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.”
– Albert Einstein
A strong desire to know or learn something.
When we explore our curiosity, or histakr’nut, we have the ability to grow as people and as mensches! There are endless possibilities at camp to explore the nature, people, and ideas around us.
Do you have a program, text, or media resource related to this value? Send it our way: teri@jewishcamp.org.
Curiosity
- Deconstructing Blessings + Prayers
- A Cornerstone program by Caroline Rothstein
- Sharing Our Jewish Journeys as a Way to Strengthen and Build Community
- A Cornerstone program by Seth Braunstein
- Smells like Teen Spirit: Not Just a Deodorant
- A Cornerstone program by Akiko Yonekawa
- Spin it Torah
- A Cornerstone program by Tomer Moked
- iPod Tefillah
- A Cornerstone program by Sara Beth Berman
- The Snowflake Principle
- A Cornerstone program by Sarra Alpert
- Responsibility and Repair – Raising the Bar for Tikkun Olam in Jewish Summer Camps
- A Cornerstone program
- When prayers come true and sometimes don’t…
- A Cornerstone program by Shalom Orzach
- Frog Hunting
- A Cornerstone program by Daniel Abramson
Curiosity
- Curiosity is a Superpower
- A video by Hollywood Producer Brian Grazer
- Timewave Zero
- A video on curiosity
- Izzy, Did You Ask a Good Question Today?
- From the New York Times Opinion Section
- What Questions Did you Ask Today?
- A video and lesson from Chic Thompson
Curiosity
- A poster for curiosity
- A poster from Camp Tel Noar (photo credit: David Leifer)
- Encouraging Curiosity in the Classroom
- A source sheet by Dan Ross
Creativity
יצירתיות
Yetziratiut
22 wi- Info
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Creativity
“There is nothing new under the sun.”
– Ecclesiaties
The use of the imagination or original ideas, especially in the production of an artistic work.
With creativity, or yetziratiut, we have a tool to enhance our capabilities as mensches! When we are out in nature at camp we learn that the sky is the limit and know there are multiple ways to fix a problem.
Mensch in progress… Come back soon for additional resources! Do you have a program, text, or media resource related to this value? Send it our way: teri@jewishcamp.org.
Creativity
- Way Beyond the Pages: Adventure in Jewish Time Travel
- A Cornerstone program by Meir Balofsky
- Creating Mind-Blowing AHA Moments
- A Cornerstone program by Josh Friedman
- Kavan-Art: Creation of Camp Ritual Objects
- A Cornerstone program
- Creative Thinking Activities
- Several short activities that promote and encourage creativity.
- Tour Israel in 20 Minutes – Anywhere!
- A Cornerstone program by Meir Balofsky
- Spin it! Shabbat
- A Cornerstone program by Akiko Yonekawa
- WOW: Women in Prayer
- A Cornerstone program by Akiko Yonekawa
- Off the Shelf: Bringing Books to Life
- A Cornerstone program by Asya Gribov
- Israeli Dance – Session 3
- A Cornerstone program by Erica Goldman
- Team Building Group Dynamics – Session 3
- A Cornerstone program by Meir Balofsky
- Artistic Approaches to Prayer
- A Cornerstone Program by Daniel Abramson
- B.Y.O.I. (Bring Your Own Instruments) Musical Tefilah
- A Cornerstone program by Noam Katz
- Drum Circle Tefillah
- A Cornerstone program by Noam Katz
Creativity
- “Kids, Would you Please Start Fighting?”
- An article from the New York Times
- How Do You Find Creative Solutions? Hire People Who Disagree with You
- An article from Inc.com about essential steps to creativity
- How to Build Your Creative Confidence
- A TED talk by David Kelley
Creativity
- Harold and the Purple Crayon
- A children’s book by Crockett Johnson
Appreciation of Opposition
הערכה של מחלוקת
HaArecha Shel Machloket
29 wi- Info
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- Texts
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Appreciation of Opposition
“The cure for a fallacious argument is a better argument not the suppression of ideas.”
– Carl Sagan
The ability to recognize and fully understand individuals with different ideas, views, or opinions.
Appreciation of Opposition, or HaArecha Shel Machloket, is essential to becoming mensch! We have the opportunity to learn and debate with others at camp. These experiences lead to appreciation for civil discourse and learning from individuals with opposing views.
Mensch in progress… Come back soon for additional resources! Do you have a program, text, or media resource related to this value? Send it our way: teri@jewishcamp.org.
Appreciation of Opposition
- Wrestling with Israel
- A Cornerstone program by Sarra Alpert and Noam Katz
- Working with Young Campers – Session 2
- A Cornerstone program by Asya Gribov
- Occupy Mesopotamia!
- A Cornerstone program by Jonathan Adam Ross
- Unpacking My Jewish Baggage
- A Cornerstone program by Sarra Alpert
Appreciation of Opposition
- “Kids, Would you Please Start Fighting?”
- An article from the New York Times
- Larry Bird vs. Michael Jordan
- A commercial that represents friendly competition
- On Becoming an Innovator at Camp
- This American Camp Association article argues that by surrounding campers with diverse opinions and people of many different backgrounds, children learn to become innovators.
Appreciation of Opposition
- True Sportsmanship: Iranian Refugee Dedicates Olympic Medal to ‘Friends’ in Israel
- A powerful story of an Iranian judoka attempting to build a relationship with the Israeli community.
Foresight
רואה את הנולד
Roeh et HaNalod
36 wi- Info
- Texts
Foresight
“One can only have as much preparation as he has foresight”
– Jim Butcher
The ability to predict what will happen or be needed in the future
Foresight, or Roeh et HaNalod, is essential to becoming mensch! Among our small communities at camp we are able to see the impact of our actions which leads to foresight.
Mensch in progress… Come back soon for additional resources! Do you have a program, text, or media resource related to this value? Send it our way: teri@jewishcamp.org.
Foresight
- Torah Commentary by Rabbi Bachya ben Asher
- This piece of commentary describes how Joseph used foresight to ensure that the people of Egypt would not starve during a region-wide famine.
- The Lorax
- The Lorax by Dr. Seuss is a story about the consequences of not having foresight. This book can also be used to discuss the environment!
Courage
אומץ לב
Ometz Lev
02 co- Info
- Programs
- Media
- Texts
Courage
“All dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them”
– Walt Disney
The ability to do something that frightens one; strength in the face of pain or grief.
When we have courage, or ometz Lev, we learn to embrace our role as a mensch. With the ample opportunities to get outside of our comfort zone and test our courage at camp, we get to stretch our mensch muscles!
Do you have a program, text, or media resource related to this value? Send it our way: teri@jewishcamp.org.
Courage
- Theater: Massaging the Tight Spots – Session 3
- A Cornerstone program by Jonathan Adam Ross
- B.Y.O.I. (Bring Your Own Instruments) Musical Tefilah
- A Cornerstone program by Noam Katz
- Frog Hunting
- A Cornerstone program by Daniel Abramson
Courage
- We Bought a Zoo Clip
- “Sometimes all you need is 20 seconds of insane courage.”
- Courage Works
- Online learning with Brene Brown
- Create Courage
- A touching commercial about obtaining courage
Courage
- Sefaria Source Sheet
- Source sheet that focuses on when courage is used and where it comes from.
- Cultivating Jewish Courage
- An article about the times in Jewish history when people showed courage.
- As Good as Anybody: Martin Luther King Jr. and Abraham Joshua Heschel’s Amazing March Toward Freedom
- A book by Richard Michelson
- The Lorax
- A book by Dr. Seuss
- Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins
- A book by Eric Kimmel
Zest & Zeal
זריזות
Zerizut
05 co- Info
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- Media
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Zest & Zeal
“Just as food eaten without appetite is a tedious nourishment, so does study without zeal damage the memory by not assimilating what it absorbs.”
– Leonardo da Vinci
A spirited enjoyment, enthusiasm, and passion for life and learning.
Zest & Zeal, or Zerizut, adds flavor to being a mensch! While at camp we get to experience first hand that learning can be fun, exciting, and exhilarating when you have a hunger for it.
Do you have a program, text, or media resource related to this value? Send it our way: teri@jewishcamp.org.
Zest & Zeal
- What’s Keeping You Up At Night
- A Cornerstone Program by Sarra Alpert
- Question Cards
- Tour Israel in 20 Minutes – Anywhere!
- A Cornerstone program by Meir Balofsky
- Occupy Mesopotamia!
- A Cornerstone program by Jonathan Adam Ross
- Frog Hunting
- A Cornerstone program by Daniel Abramson
Zest & Zeal
- The Positivity Project – Zest/Enthusiasm
- One-pager on what it means to have zest and why it matters.
Zest & Zeal
- Four Reasons to Cultivate Zest in Life
- Article about the importance and benefits of having zest for life.
- The Cat in the Hat
- A book by Dr. Seuss
- Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
- A book by Dr. Seuss
- The Lorax
- A book by Dr. Seuss
Confidence
בטחון
Bitachon
09 co- Info
- Programs
- Media
- Texts
Confidence
“Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained.”
– Marie Curie
A feeling of self-assurance arising from one’s appreciation of one’s own abilities or qualities.
Confidence, or Bitachon, allows us to embrace our role as mensches! At camp we have the opportunity to learn who we are and grow confident in that person.
Mensch in progress… Come back soon for additional resources! Do you have a program, text, or media resource related to this value? Send it our way: teri@jewishcamp.org.
Confidence
- An Exploration of Jewish Garb and Their Underlying Superpowers
- A Cornerstone program by Ariella Rosen and Seth Braunstein
- The Hummus Show
- A Cornerstone program by Tomer Moked
- The Art and Science of Song Leading – Session 1
- A Cornerstone program by Noam Katz
- The Art and Science of Song Leading – Session 2
- A Cornerstone program by Noam Katz
- The Art and Science of Song Leading – Session 3
- A Cornerstone program by Noam Katz
- Israeli Dance – Session 1
- A Cornerstone program by Erica Goldman
- A Time to Dance
- A Cornerstone program by Erica Goldman
Confidence
- 10 Inspiring TED talks about Confidence
- A collection of talks from presenters such as Elizabeth Gilbert, Amy Tan, & Carol Dweck
- Apple – Give the Gift of Creativity
- A shy artist learns not to hide her gifts and instead share her gifts with her community. Audio is ‘Come Out and Play” by Billie Eilish calling for people not to hide themselves and their talents.
Confidence
- Engaging with Confidence
- A guide for talking to campers about confidence from URJ Camp Harlam
- Stand Tall, Molly Lou Mellon
- A children’s book by Patty Lovell
Discipline & Will Power
גבורה
Gevurah
16 co
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- Texts
Discipline & Will Power
“Willpower is the key to success. Successful people strive no matter what they feel by applying their will to overcome apathy, doubt or fear.”
– Dan Millman
Control to choose whether or not to do something.
When we have discipline & will power, or gevurah, we can become a successful mensch! The community of camp gives us a safe space to test this value and hold ourselves to a high standard.
Do you have a program, text, or media resource related to this value? Send it our way: teri@jewishcamp.org.
Discipline & Will Power
- When the Chickens Went on Strike
- A book by Erica Silverman
- Rabbi finds $98,000 in his Desk from Craigslist
- A segment from the Steve Harvey Show
Discipline & Will Power
- Scholarly Interpretations of Discipline and Will Power
- This source sheet created by Rabbi Stacy Rigler, explores a variety of scholarly and rabbinic interpretations about one’s ability to control their impulses and exercise discipline, gevurah.
Conviction
אמונה
Emunah
23 co- Info
- Texts
Conviction
“It’s the repetition of affirmations that leads to belief. And once that belief becomes a deep conviction, things begin to happen.”
– Muhammad Ali
A firmly held opinion or belief.
With conviction, or emunah, we have the motivation to be a real mensch! Camp creates a space where everyone can explore their beliefs and turn them into deep conviction.
Mensch in progress… Come back soon for additional resources! Do you have a program, text, or media resource related to this value? Send it our way: teri@jewishcamp.org.
Conviction
- Brave Irene
- Brave Irene by William Steig is a children’s book about a young girl who is faced with a difficult task and uses determination and conviction to complete it.
Perseverance & Grit
נצח
Netzach
30 co
- Info
- Programs
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Perseverance & Grit
“Let me tell you the secret that has led to my goal. My strength lies solely in my tenacity.”
– Louis Pasteur
The ability to persist in something you feel passionate about and keep moving forward when you face obstacles.
Perseverance & Grit, or Netzach, is an important part of being a mensch! While enjoying our time at camp we have the opportunity to learn what drives us and work hard to achieve a goal.
Mensch in progress… Come back soon for additional resources! Do you have a program, text, or media resource related to this value? Send it our way: teri@jewishcamp.org.
Perseverance & Grit
- One one Foot
- A trigger activity by Teri McGuire
- Team Building Group Dynamics – Session 2
- A Cornerstone program by Meir Balofsky
- Sports and Soul
- A Cornerstone program by Mara Berde
Perseverance & Grit
- Try Try Again Dalia
- A children’s book by Zvi and Alex Band
- Austin Jackson’s Awesome Baseball Catch
- An incredible catch by baseball player Austin Jackson, showing us the power of commitment
- 5 research-backed ways to improve grit
- An article by Eric Baker
- Mandy Harvey: Deaf Singer
- A video from America’s Got Talent that reminds us we can do anything we put our minds to!
Perseverance & Grit
- Giant Menorah Survives at Jewish Summer Camp Devastated by Woolsey Fire
- The giant menorah that survived the fire gives camp leaders hope to continue to rebuild and offer summer camp.
- Engaging with Perseverance & Grit
- A guide for talking to campers about perseverance from URJ Camp Harlam
Integrity
יושר
Yosher
37 co- Info
- Media
- Texts
Integrity
“We learned about honesty and integrity – that the truth matters… that you don’t take shortcuts or play by your own set of rules… and success doesn’t count unless you earn it fair and square.”
– Michelle Obama
The practice of being honest and showing a consistent and uncompromising adherence to strong moral and ethical principles and values.
With integrity, or yosher, we can fully achieve the title of “mensch.” Camp teaches us integrity as we grow and learn from those around us.
Mensch in progress… Come back soon for additional resources! Do you have a program, text, or media resource related to this value? Send it our way: teri@jewishcamp.org.
Integrity
- Integrity Commercial
- A commercial about doing the right thing
Integrity
- The Berenstain Bears and The Truth
- This book tells the story of a brother and sister bear who need to learn the importance of telling the truth
Decency & Social Intelligence
דרך ארץ
Derech Eretz
06 ho
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- Programs
- Media
Decency & Social Intelligence
Rabbi Elazar ben Azariah teaches, “Without the study of Torah, there can be no Derech Eretz; without Derech Eretz, there can be no Torah.”
(Pirke Avot 3:17)
The capacity to know and understand oneself and others.
Without decency & social Intelligence, or derech eretz, we cannot be a true mensch. Camp impacts us by teaching us how to be decent, socially conscious individuals.
Do you have a program, text, or media resource related to this value? Send it our way: teri@jewishcamp.org.
Decency & Social Intelligence
- Partners Against Hate – Name-Calling
- A lesson plan that focuses on being aware of language and the way it can impact a person.
- Rube Goldberg, Bucket Filling and the Emotional Bank Account
- A Cornerstone program by Noam Katz
- The Hummus Show
- A Cornerstone program by Tomer Moked
- Playing Outside the Lines: Uncovering what’s Jewish about Camp Sports
- A Cornerstone program by Mara Berde
- “That’s So Gay”: Gender and Sexuality Diversity Through Prayer
- A Cornerstone program by Jake Wassermann
- A Cornerstone program by Jake Wassermann
Decency & Social Intelligence
- Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins
- A book by Eric Kimmel
- Always Go To The Funeral
- An article by Deirdre Sullivan
Compassion
רחמים
Rachamim
10 ho- Info
- Programs
- Media
- Texts
Compassion
“And you shall have compassion for your friend as for yourself…”
(Onkelos Leviticus 19:1)
Motivation to for people to go out of their way to help the physical, mental, or emotional pains of another or themselves.
With compassion, or rachamim, we can share our abilities as mensches with those around us. We have the ability to create the kind of positive community at camp that can only be created when we have compassion for others.
Do you have a program, text, or media resource related to this value? Send it our way: teri@jewishcamp.org.
Compassion
- Intention vs. Impact: That’s Funny You Don’t Look, Jewish
- A Cornerstone program by Melissa Shaw
- Good Grief: Mourners’ Kaddish
- A Cornerstone program by Sara Beth Berman
- It’s Alright to Cry
- A Cornerstone program by Natalie Rothstein
- Playing Outside the Lines: Uncovering what’s Jewish about Camp Sports
- A Cornerstone program by Mara Berde
- Social Justice Specialty Track – Session 1
- A Cornerstone program by Sarra Alpert
- Social Justice Specialty Track – Session 2
- A Cornerstone program by Sarra Alpert
- Social Justice Specialty Track – Session 3
- A Cornerstone program by Sarra Alpert
- The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Counselors
- Erin Ellis Mason’s curriculum guide for training camp counselors
- Guess Who? Building Stronger Relationships by Asking Better Questions
- A program from Cornerstone faculty member Abby Uhrman
- How do you say “I Am”?
- A program from Cornerstone faculty member Jonah Canner
- Not Just a Dull Day without Food: Going Deeper with your Tisha B’Av Programming
- A program from Cornerstone faculty member Seth Wax
- “That’s So Gay”: Gender and Sexuality Diversity Through Prayer
- A Cornerstone program by Jake Wassermann
Compassion
- Compassion and the Heart of Jewish Spirituality
- Listen to Rabbi Shai Held’s ELI talk about the essential role compassion and empathy play in living a Jewish life.
- From Callous to Caring: The Key to Jewish Compassion
- Read this blog from “Jew in the City” about daily compassion for those in need.
- The Balancing Act of Compassion
- Watch Rabbi Jackie Tabick’s TED talk on being compassionate will still keeping your sanity.
- Listening with Care
- Explore how to teach your children compassionate listening.
- Reconnecting with Compassion
- Watch Krista Tippett’s TED talk.
- My Wish: The Charter for Compassion
- Watch Karen Armstrong’s TED talk about The Golden Rule.
- A Guide to Cultivating Compassion in Your Life
- Learn how to use 7 practices to achieve compassion.
- Learn how to use 7 practices to achieve compassion.
- A Story of Moral Courage
- A story of Righteous action during the Holocaust
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You are Here: Discovering the Magic of the Present Moment
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A book by Thich Nhat Hahn
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A book by Ann Redisch Stampler
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- Compassion Cards: Teachings for Awakening the Heart in Everyday Life
- A book by Pema Chodron
- Giving is the best communication
- A commercial about selfless giving
Compassion
- Engaging with Compassion
- A guide for talking to campers about compassion from URJ Camp Harlam
- 6 Points Sports – Compassion
- Resources to teach Sportsmanship from URJ 6 Points Sports Academy.
- Texts on Compassion
- A resource of texts compiled by FJC’s Director of Jewish Education, Kate O’Brien
- A resource of texts compiled by FJC’s Director of Jewish Education, Kate O’Brien
- Inclusion Training Guide for Jewish Summer Camps
- Texts for Inclusion at Camp
Kindness
חסד
Chesed
17 ho
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- Programs
- Media
- Texts
Kindness
“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see”
– Mark Twain
The quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.
Kindness, or Chesed, is an important character trait of a mensch! We have ample opportunities at camp to make kind gestures to one another.
Do you have a program, text, or media resource related to this value? Send it our way: teri@jewishcamp.org.
Kindness
- Grief at Camp
- A Cornerstone program by Sarah Beth Berman & Natalie Rothstein
- LGBTQ+ Inclusion for Camps
- A Cornerstone program by Mara Berde
- Rube Goldberg, Bucket Filling and the Emotional Bank Account
- A Cornerstone program by Noam Katz
- Working with Young Campers – Session 3
- A Cornerstone program by Asya Gribov
- When prayers come true and sometimes don’t….
- A Cornerstone program by Shalom Orzach
Kindness
- Kindness (Chesed) a Video
- A video from Jewish Food for Thought
- World’s Greatest Love Story
- A segment about falling in love in the midst of a tragedy
- A Life Lesson from a Volunteer Firefighter
- Mark Bezos’ TED Talk
- The Kindness of Stangers
- From This American Life
- Kindness
- A poem by Naomi Shihab Nye
- An Inspiring Softball Story
- Video about Sara Tucholsky
Kindness
- Parenting for Kindness in Troubled Times
- Article using Jewish text to talk about how to parent or help children grow through kindness in today’s world.
- Rabbinic Literature and Poetry on Kindness
- This source sheet created by Rabbi Stacy Rigler, explores poetry and rabbinic literature about the value of chesed – kindness.
Loyalty
נאמנות
Ne'emanut
24 ho- Info
- Media
- Texts
Loyalty
A base fellow gives away secrets, but a trustworthy soul keeps a confidence.
(Proverbs 11:13)
The quality of staying firm in your support for someone or something.
When we have loyalty, or ne’emanut, we are on the road to becoming a mensch! With all the new friends we make at camp, we learn what loyalty really means.
Mensch in progress… Come back soon for additional resources! Do you have a program, text, or media resource related to this value? Send it our way: teri@jewishcamp.org.
Loyalty
- Lost Dog Superbowl Commercial
- A commercial that reminds us about the power of loyalty
- Empty Chair
- A commercial depicting true loyalty
Loyalty
- Horton Hears a Who!
- Horton Hears a Who by Dr. Seuss is a story about staying loyal to friends, despite what outsiders might think.
- The Giving Tree
- A children’s book by Shel Silverstein
Pursuit of Peace
רודף שלום
Rodef Shalom
31 ho- Info
- Programs
- Media
Pursuit of Peace
“Peace is the beauty of life. It is sunshine. It is the smile of a child, the love of a mother, the joy of a father, the togetherness of a family. It is the advancement of man, the victory of a just cause, the triumph of truth.”
– Menachem Begin
The desire to generate well-being for ourselves and each other.
Pursuit of Peace, or Rodef Shalom, is essential to being a mensch! At camp we have the time and space to pursue both inner peace and peace among our community.
Mensch in progress… Come back soon for additional resources! Do you have a program, text, or media resource related to this value? Send it our way: teri@jewishcamp.org.
Pursuit of Peace
- Working with Young Campers – Session 3
- A Cornerstone program by Asya Gribov
Pursuit of Peace
- Service Dogs for Those Who Have Seen Too Much
- A video about those who can help us when we have trouble finding peace.
Leadership
מנהיגות
Manhigut
38 ho- Info
- Programs
- Media
Leadership
“Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
The art of motivating a group of people to act towards achieving a common goal.
Leadership, or Manhigut, allows us to be a mensch and teach our ways to others! Throughout our time at camp we gain skills that allow us to emerge as leaders.
Mensch in progress… Come back soon for additional resources! Do you have a program, text, or media resource related to this value? Send it our way: teri@jewishcamp.org.
Leadership
- Best. Program. Ever.
- A Cornerstone program by Erica Goldman, Briana Holtzman, & Brett Gurwitz
- Don’t Speak: A Nonverbal Counseling Workshop
- A Cornerstone program by Jonathan Adam Ross
- Making Meaningful Moments – Session 1
- A Cornerstone program by Akiko Yonekawa
- Making Meaningful Moments – Session 2
- A Cornerstone program by Akiko Yonekawa
- Making Meaningful Moments – Session 3
- A Cornerstone program by Akiko Yonekawa
- Team Building Group Dynamics – Session 2
- A Cornerstone program by Meir Balofsky
- The Art and Science of Song Leading – Session 1
- A Cornerstone program by Noam Katz
- The Art and Science of Song Leading – Session 2
- A Cornerstone program by Noam Katz
- The Art and Science of Song Leading – Session 3
- A Cornerstone program by Noam Katz
Leadership
- Re2pect
- A video about how great leaders gain respect from everyone around them.
Justice
דין
Din
11 ju- Info
- Programs
- Texts
Justice
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere”
– Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Behaving in a way that is fair, equal, and balanced for everyone.
The pursuit of justice, or din, allows us to become a mensch and create a fair world! Surrounded by others at camp, we are provided with opportunities to learn about fairness and the correct way to treat others.
Do you have a program, text, or media resource related to this value? Send it our way: teri@jewishcamp.org.
Justice
- Spin it! Tzedekah
- A Cornerstone program by Sarra Alpert
- Social Justice Specialty Track – Session 1
- A Cornerstone program by Sarra Alpert
- Social Justice Specialty Track – Session 2
- A Cornerstone program by Sarra Alpert
- Social Justice Specialty Track – Session 3
- A Cornerstone program by Sarra Alpert
- Occupy Mesopotamia!
- A Cornerstone program by Jonathan Adam Ross
Justice
- As Good As Anybody Martin Luther King, Jr., and Abraham Joshua Heschel’s Amazing March Toward Freedom
- A children’s book by Richard Michelson
- I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark
- A children book by Debbie Levy
Community Mindedness
ערבות
Areyvut
18 ju- Info
- Programs
- Media
- Texts
Community Mindedness
“We are tied together in a single garment of destiny, caught in an inescapable network of mutuality. And whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly.”
-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Being aware of the needs of ones community and and working towards bettering it.
Community Mindedness, or Areyvut, is an important part of being a mensch! We are given the unique opportunity at camp to see how our actions can contribute to a beautiful community experience.
Do you have a program, text, or media resource related to this value? Send it our way: teri@jewishcamp.org.
Community Mindedness
- The Power Dynamics of Relationships when Working with Kids/at Camp
- A Cornerstone Program by Sara Beth Berman
- Spirit of the Game
- A Cornerstone program by Mara Berde and Ariella Rosen
- The Power of Sport
- Cornerstone specialty track by Mara Berde
- Invest in the Future: Kickstart Philanthropy
- A Cornerstone program by Tomer Moked
- Israeli Dance – Session 3
- A Cornerstone program by Erica Goldman
- Team Building Group Dynamics – Session 3
- A Cornerstone program by Meir Balofsky
- Don’t Be a Stranger: Building Inclusive Camp Communities Root in Justice
- A Cornerstone Program by Sarra Alpert
- Not Just A Dull Day without Food: Going Deeper with your Tisha B’Av Programming
- A Cornerstone program by Seth Wax
- Should We Break the Bubble? Bringing the Outside World into Camp
- A Cornerstone Program
- Getting Along with Others: Enhancing Your Working Relationships
- A Cornerstone program
- Square Pegs, Round Holes: When “Troublemakers” Aren’t Trying to Cause Trouble
- A Cornerstone program by Sarra Alpert
- Drum Circle Tefillah
- A Cornerstone program by Noam Katz
Community Mindedness
- Wendy’s Shabbat
- A video that emphasizes that it doesn’t matter where you are, it is who you are with.
- What does it mean to be a citizen of the world?
- Hugh Evan’s TED Talk
- The Name Heard Round the Word
- A video presented by Rabbi Yoel Gold
- Are you a giver or a taker?
- Adam Grant’s TED Talk
- How to Leave a Mark on People
- An article by David Brooks
- The Legend of Freedom Hill
- A book by Linda Jacobs Altman
- Ten Old Men and a Mouse
- A book by Cary Fagan
- Wheelchair Basketball
- A commercial that shows the power of creating a community regardless of differences
- Wheels
- A commercial with a message about creating community
Community Mindedness
- A poster for community mindedness
- A poster from Camp Tel Noar (photo credit: David Leifer)
- Open book text study: We Are the World
- Using a traditional form of text study explore a contemporary text! Take a look at the Open Book guide to assist your learning.
- Stone Soup
- A children’s book about contributing to the community by Marcia Brown
Social Responsibility
אחריות
Achrayut
25 ju- Info
- Programs
- Media
- Texts
Social Responsibility
“Being human means being conscious and being responsible. By becoming responsible agents for social change we actualize not only our humanity but also our mission as Jews.”
– Viktor Frankl
A moral belief where we as individuals, have a responsibility toward the larger society.
Social Responsibility, or Achrayut, creates mensches who are ready to help others! As we spend time at camp we learn how our actions impact those around us.
Mensch in progress… Come back soon for additional resources! Do you have a program, text, or media resource related to this value? Send it our way: teri@jewishcamp.org.
Social Responsibility
- Tzedakah Boxes
- A Cornerstone program by Daniel Abramson
- Mental Health and Wellness
- A Cornerstone program by Natalie Rothstein
- Invest in the Future: Kickstart Philanthropy
- A Cornerstone program by Tomer Moked
- Working with young campers – Session 1
- A Cornerstone program by Asya Gribov
Social Responsibility
- Evan
- A startling commercial about helping those around us that go unnoticed
Social Responsibility
- Engaging with Achrayut
- A guide for talking to campers about Social Responsibility from URJ Camp Harlam
- Am I my co counselors keeper?
- A source sheet from Camp Judaea, sharing a variety of texts on our responsibility to one another.
- The Sneetches by Dr. Seuss
- A children’s book about taking responsibility for and being inclusive of people who are different or not accepted in their communities.
Compassionate Criticism
תוכחה
Tochecha
32 ju- Info
- Texts
Compassionate Criticism
“Every human being is entitled to courtesy and consideration. Constructive criticism is not only to be expected but sought.”
– Margaret Chase Smith
The ability to give feedback in a productive, truthful, yet kind manner.
Compassionate Criticism, or Tochecha, creates mensches and allows others to improve through truthful and kind feedback! While spending so much time with others at camp we learn how to give useful and kind feedback.
Mensch in progress… Come back soon for additional resources! Do you have a program, text, or media resource related to this value? Send it our way: teri@jewishcamp.org.
Compassionate Criticism
- Sh’ma Now – Rebuke: Criticism with Love
- The Journal of Jewish Sensibilities November 2016 edition on Tochecha
Righteous
צדק
Tzedek
39 ju- Info
- Programs
Righteous
“The purely righteous do not complain about evil, rather they add justice. They do not complain about heresy, rather they add faith. They do not complain about about ignorance, rather they add wisdom.”
– Rav Kook
Being morally correct or justifiable.
Righteousness, or Tzedek, is an important part of being a mensch! The sacred space of camp inspires us to strive for righteous behavior.
Mensch in progress… Come back soon for additional resources! Do you have a program, text, or media resource related to this value? Send it our way: teri@jewishcamp.org.
Righteous
- Definitions of Tzedakah
- A Cornerstone program by Josh Lake
- Spin it! Tzedekah
- A Cornerstone program by Sarra Alpert
- What’s your Tikkun Olam Trinity?
- A Cornerstone program by Caroline Rothstein
- Revolution and Renewal: Social Justice (Session 1)
- A Cornerstone program by Sarra Alpert
- Revolution and Renewal: Social Justice (Session 2)
- A Cornerstone program by Sarra Alpert
- Revolution and Renewal: Social Justice (Session 3)
- A Cornerstone program by Sarra Alpert
- Senseless Hatred: Activities and Discussions for Tisha B’Av
- Exploring themes of Tisha B’Av through the lens of Empathy – A teaching by Avi Orlow
- Inclusion and Disabilities (Session 1)
- A Cornerstone program by Ariella Rosen
- Inclusion and Disabilities (Session 2)
- A Cornerstone program by Ariella Rosen
- Inclusion and Disabilities: I am not your Inspiration
- A Cornerstone program by Ariella Rosen
- Tzedakah Boxes
- A Cornerstone program by Daniel Abramson
- The end of Baseless Hatred: Jewish Unity + Tisha B’Av
- A Cornerstone program by Caroline Rothstein and Meir Balofsky
- Deconstructing (and Addressing) Antisemitism
- A Cornerstone program by Caroline Rothstein and Jonah Canner
- Fixing a Broken World: Tikkun Olam/Social Justice (Session 3)
- A Cornerstone program by Chana Rothman
Calm & Composure
מנוחת הנפש
Menuchat HaNefesh
12 mo- Info
- Programs
- Texts
Calm & Composure
“A man of calm is like a shady tree. People who need shelter come to it.”
– Toba Beta
The state of being in control of oneself.
When we achieve calm & composure, or menuchat hanefesh, we can explore our potential as mensches and provide counsel for others! At camp we have time to relax and truly see the impact of a calm lifestyle.
Do you have a program, text, or media resource related to this value? Send it our way: teri@jewishcamp.org.
Calm & Composure
- Cry It Out: When You Literally Can’t Even With Suffering
- A Cornerstone program by Sara Beth Berman
- Everyday Mindfulness
- A Cornerstone program by Akiko Yonekawa
Calm & Composure
- Millie Fierce
- Millie Fierce by Jane Manning is a children’s book about the importance of managing emotions and staying calm.
- The Grouchy Ladybug
- The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle discusses how sometimes being grouchy isn’t the best way to interact with others.
Organization & Order
סדר
Seder
19 mo- Info
- Programs
- Media
- Texts
Organization & Order
“Chaos is merely order waiting to be deciphered.”
– José Saramago, The Double
The arrangement of connected or related items; an efficient approach to completing tasks.
Order, or Seder, allows one to become a mensch! With the unique pace of camp we have the ability to learn more about our priorities and make order of our hectic lives.
Do you have a program, text, or media resource related to this value? Send it our way: teri@jewishcamp.org.
Organization & Order
- Best. Program. Ever.
- A Cornerstone program by Erica Goldman, Briana Holtzman, & Brett Gurwitz
- Don’t Speak: A Nonverbal Counseling Workshop
- A Cornerstone program by Jonathan Adam Ross
- Kosher Communication
- A Cornerstone program by Jennifer Gubitz
- 3 Minute Walk Through: How to Determine if “it’s” Working in 3 Minutes or Less!
- A Cornerstone program by Lori Rubin
Organization & Order
- Jar of Life
- A video explaining prioritizing
- 9 Smart Ways to Make Kids More Organized
- A list of organizational tips for children
- How to Teach your Child Time Management
- A slideshow of ideas
- Mussar Program – Seder
- A resource for achieving Seder
- The Awareness Test
- A video that allows you to test your awareness level
- Zoom
- A book to help explore perspective
- Seder Resources
- A variety of different resources from the Institute for Jewish Spirituality
- The Order and Ordering of Biblical Books
- Exploring why the Biblical Books are in their current order
- Seder’s Deep Roots in the Subconscious
- Setting Priorities
- Insights from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College
- The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up
- A book by Marie Kando
- Vague and Confused: That’s Just How I Rule
- A podcast from This American Life
Organization & Order
- Seder Texts
- A compilation of texts about Order
- Pirkei Avot 6:6
- A passage from Ethics of our Fathers
Patience
סבלנות
Savlanut
26 mo- Info
- Programs
- Media
- Texts
Patience
“Time is an herb that cures all diseases”
– Ben Franklin
A person’s ability to wait something out or endure something tedious, without getting riled up.
With patience, or savlanut, one can truly become a mensch. At camp, whether it is on line for the ropes course or passing food around at meals, we learn to wait our turn.
Do you have a program, text, or media resource related to this value? Send it our way: teri@jewishcamp.org.
Patience
- Connecting with Every Camper Through Art – Session 2
- A Cornerstone program by Daniel Abramson
- Inclusion and Disabilities – Session 1
- A Cornerstone program by Ariella Rosen
- Inclusion and Disabilities – Session 2
- A Cornerstone program by Ariella Rosen
- Inclusion and Disabilities – Session 3
- A Cornerstone program by Ariella Rosen
Patience
- Patience and Process
- An ELI Talk by Rabbi Dr. Jacob J. Schachter
- Rabbi Jon’s Podcasts Middot: Patience
- A podcast on patience
- How Jewish Teachings Helped Me Be a Patient Parent
- Patience parent tips
- The Power of Patience
- An article on understanding the impact of patience
- Honi and the Carob Tree
- A Chassidic tale
- Family Values: How Kids Learn Patience
- Notes on teaching patience to kids
- The Most Important Leadership Quality is Patience
- Gabe de Jong’s TED Talk
- MUSSAR for CHILDREN – Patience
- Teachings for children on patience
- When you need a partner…
- A commercial that shows that long term planning pays off
Patience
- A poster for patience
- A poster from Camp Tel Noar (photo credit: David Leifer)
Forgiveness
מחילה
Machilah
33 mo- Info
- Media
- Texts
Forgiveness
“Acceptance, tolerance, and forgiveness, those are life-altering lessons.”
– Jessica Lange
The ability to let go of past grudges or lingering anger against a person or persons.
Forgiveness, or Machilah, is a key aspect of being a mensch! Because of the community camp creates, we know each other well enough to understand our good intentions and find forgiveness in our hearts.
Do you have a program, text, or media resource related to this value? Send it our way: teri@jewishcamp.org.
Forgiveness
- Landlord
- A video from Jewish Food for Thought
- Forgiveness is a Prayer
- A Yom Kippur sermon from Rabbi Anglea Buchdahl of Central Synagogue
Forgiveness
- Benjamin and the Silver Goblet
- A book by Jacqueline Jules
-
The Berenstain Bears and the Forgiving Tree
- This classic children’s book teaches the importance of learning to forgive your friends.
- Torat Azamra
- A poem by Rabbi Nahman of Breslav teaches that it’s necessary to look for everyone’s potential for good.
Amenability
הוד
Hod
40 mo
- Info
- Texts
Amenability
“You have to accept whatever comes and the only important thing is that you meet it with courage and with the best that you have to give.”
– Eleanor Roosevelt
The quality of being open and responsive to the suggestions and opinions of others.
Amenability, or Hod, is essential to being a mensch! Through experiences we have at camp we learn that we cannot always be right, and learn to acquiesce to the opinions of others.
Mensch in progress… Come back soon for additional resources! Do you have a program, text, or media resource related to this value? Send it our way: teri@jewishcamp.org.
Amenability
- My Mouth is a Volcano
- A children’s book about learning to listen to others by Julia Cook
Contentment
הסתפקות
Histapkot
13 mo- Info
- Programs
- Media
- Texts
Contentment
“Who seeks more than he needs, hinders himself from enjoying what he has. Seek what you need and give up what you need not. For in giving up what you don’t need, you’ll learn what you really do need.”
– Solomon ibn Gabirol
A state of happiness and satisfaction with what one has.
To be a mensch we have to achieve a state of contentment, or histapkut. While at camp we learn to live in the moment and appreciate what we have.
Do you have a program, text, or media resource related to this value? Send it our way: teri@jewishcamp.org.
Contentment
- Connecting with Every Camper Through Art – Session 2
- A Cornerstone program by Daniel Abramson
- Artistic Approaches to Prayer
- A Cornerstone program by Daniel Abramson
Contentment
- Measuring What Makes Life Worthwhile
- A TED Talk about learning to count what you have.
Contentment
- Chrysanthemum
- Crysanthemum by Kevin Henkes is a children’s book that explores learning how to be content with who you are.
- Contentment Interpretations
- This source sheet created by Rabbi Stacy Rigler, is a series of texts and discussion questions that delves into different interpretations of embodying contentment.
Humility
ענוה
Anavah
20 mo- Info
- Programs
- Media
- Texts
Humility
“Rabbi Simcha Bunim teaches: Every person should have two pockets. In one pocket should be a piece of paper saying: ‘I am only dust and ashes.’ When one is feeling too proud, reach into this pocket and take out this paper and read it. In the other pocket should be a piece of paper saying: ‘For my sake was the world created.’ When one is feeling disheartened and lowly, reach into this pocket and take this paper out and read it. We are each the joining of two worlds. We are fashioned from clay, but our spirit is the breath of Adonai.”
– Martin Buber, Tales of The Hasidim Later Masters
Having a modest view of one’s own importance; acting in a humble manner.
Having humility, or anavah, allows one to be a mensch without becoming arrogant. Camp provides the ability to thrive while also providing a platform to learn the virtue of being humble.
Do you have a program, text, or media resource related to this value? Send it our way: teri@jewishcamp.org.
Humility
- You’re the best! You’re the worst.
- A Cornerstone program by Erica Goldman
- Step up, Step Back
- A Cornerstone program by Abby Uhrman
Humility
- You’re Not That Great: (but neither is anyone else)
- A book by Elan Gale
- Walking Modestly with Power
- The November 2017 edition of Sh’ma Now focusing on Humility
- The Power of the Earth
- A Video on Humility
- It Ain’t the Heat, Its the Humility
- Hal M. Lewis’ ELI Talk
- A Shift to Humility: Resillence and Expanding the Edge of Change
- A podcast by Andrew Zolli
- Chutzpah and Humility
- An article by Parker Palmer
- Humility: A Jewish Key to Leadership Success
- A video from G-dcast
- Humble Inquiry
- A book by Edgar H. Schein
- Humility – Finding the Correct Balance
- An article by Rabbi Dianne Cohler-Esses
- David Brook describing President Eisenhower’s humility
- David Brook’s insight
- Our Deepest Fear..
- Clip from Coach Carter
- Resources for Anavah
- Unpacking Humility/Modesty
- Anavah Resources
- Resources on Anavah from The Institute of Jewish Spirituality
- Should A Woman Be Humble?
- An article by Ruth Abusch Magder
Humility
- HumiltyTexts
- A variety of texts on this middah
- Humility Text Sheet
- A collection of texts by Dan Finkel
- Quotes on Humility
- A compilation of quotes on being humble
- 6 Points Sports – Humility
- A source from URJ 6 Points Sports Academy
Modesty
צניעות
Tzniut
27 mo- Info
Modesty
“He who speaks without modesty will find it difficult to make his words good.”
– Confucius
The quality of not being overly proud or confident about yourself or your abilities.
Modesty, or Tzniut, is a key aspect of being a mensch! While at camp we spend the majority of our time with others and can notice the value of privacy and modesty.
Mensch in progress… Come back soon for additional resources! Do you have a program, text, or media resource related to this value? Send it our way: teri@jewishcamp.org.
Piety
חסידות
Chassidut
34 mo- Info
- Programs
- Texts
Piety
“For though we love both the truth and our friends, piety requires us to honor the truth first.”
– Aristotle
A deep, spiritual connection to the world around you.
Piety, or Chassidut, is an important part of being a mensch! As we spend time at camp we learn how to pursue our own truth and belief.
Mensch in progress… Come back soon for additional resources! Do you have a program, text, or media resource related to this value? Send it our way: teri@jewishcamp.org.
Piety
- iPod Tefillah
- A Cornerstone program by Sara Beth Berman
- WOW: Women in Prayer
- A Cornerstone program by Akiko Yonekawa
Piety
- Pirke Avot 1:2
- Ethics of Our Fathers – A well-known section of Mishnah, often quoted when discussing ethics
- Job
- An article from My Jewish Learning discussing the paradoxes of Job, a very pious man, experiencing suffering at the hand of God in order to test his piety.
Balance & Inner Beauty
תפארת
Tiferet
41 mo
- Info
- Programs
- Media
- Texts
Balance & Inner Beauty
“If every one were cast in the same mold, there would be no such thing as beauty.”
– Charles Darwin
The ability to give equal value to different aspects of yourself.
Balance & Inner Beauty, or Tiferet, is a key aspect of being a mensch! We can learn to balance our lives at camp and appreciate the beauty of that balance.
Mensch in progress… Come back soon for additional resources! Do you have a program, text, or media resource related to this value? Send it our way: teri@jewishcamp.org.
Balance & Inner Beauty
- Cornerstone Mental Health Specialty Track by Natalie Rothstein
- Detoxifying Masculinity
- A Cornerstone program by Caroline Rothstein
- Body Image at Camp
- A Cornerstone program by Natalie Rothstein
- Spin it! Shabbat – Remembering Creation
- A Cornerstone program by Meir Balofsky
- The Snowflake Principle
- A Cornerstone program by Sarra Alpert
- You’re the best! You’re the worst.
- A Cornerstone program by Erica Goldman
Balance & Inner Beauty
- Real Beauty Sketches
- A video reminder of the beauty others see in us
Balance & Inner Beauty
- Engaging with Balance & Inner Beauty
- A guide for talking to campers about balance and inner beauty from URJ Camp Harlam
Wonder
מלכות
Malchut
03 tr- Info
- Programs
- Media
- Texts
Wonder
“Wonder is the beginning of wisdom”
– Socrates
A feeling of surprise mixed with admiration, caused by something beautiful, or unexpected. To desire or be curious to know something.
Wonder, or Malchut, is essential to being a mensch! We are in a constant state of wonder at camp as we observe the amazing world and community around us.
Do you have a program, text, or media resource related to this value? Send it our way: teri@jewishcamp.org.
Wonder
- Night Hike
- A Cornerstone program by Natalie Goldfein, Chana Rothstein, and Josh Lake
- Spin it: Creative Shabbat
- A Cornerstone program by Asya Gribov
- …And your Camp Shall be Holy
- a Cornerstone program
- In Service Training
- A Cornerstone program by Shalom Orzach
Wonder
- Little Darth Vader
- A commercial that shows the power of wonder
Wonder
- Open book text study: What A Wonderful World
- Using a traditional form of text study explore a contemporary text! Take a look at the Open Book guide to assist your learning.
- The Kingdom of Singing Birds
- A book by Aroner and Haas
- Scholarly Interpretations of Wonder – Malchut
- This source sheet created by Rabbi Stacy Rigler, contains different interpretations of Wonder-Malchut, by famous scholars such as Abraham Joshua Heschel and Socrates, among others.
- This source sheet is also accompanied by discussion questions.
Reverence & Awe
יראה
Yira
07 tr- Info
- Programs
Reverence & Awe
“Our goal should be to live life in radical amazement…[to] get up in the morning and look at the world in a way that takes nothing for granted. Everything is phenomenal, everything is incredible, never treat life casually. To be spiritual is to be amazed.”
–Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel
Deep respect, amazement, and wonderment for something or someone.
When we have reverence & awe, or yira, for what we have around us we are on the path to becoming a mensch. We are constantly exposed to awesome lessons and experiences at camp that help us develop a deep appreciation for all we have.
Mensch in progress… Come back soon for additional resources! Do you have a program, text, or media resource related to this value? Send it our way: teri@jewishcamp.org.
Reverence & Awe
- Ripple in Still Water
- A Cornerstone program by Josh Lake and Caroline Rothstein
- Everyday Mindfulness
- A Cornerstone program by Akiko Yonekawa
- Strings Attached – Tying Your Own Tzitzit
- A Cornerstone program by Meir Balofsky
- In Service Training
- A Cornerstone program by Shalom Orzach
- Frog Hunting
- A Cornerstone program by Daniel Abramson
Love
אהבה
Ahava
14 tr- Info
- Programs
- Media
- Texts
Love
Do not take revenge and do not bear a grudge against the members of your people, and you shall love your fellow as you love yourself; I am God.
(Leviticus 19:18)
An intense feeling of affection; a great interest and pleasure in something.
Love, or Ahava, is a key part of being a mensch! We learn to love others with our whole hearts at camp.
Do you have a program, text, or media resource related to this value? Send it our way: teri@jewishcamp.org.
Love
- “That’s So Gay”: Gender and Sexuality Diversity Through Prayer
- A Cornerstone program by Jake Wasserman
- When prayers come true and sometimes don’t…
- A Cornerstone program by Shalom Orzach
- In Service Training
- A Cornerstone program by Shalom Orzach
Love
- Eat Together
- A commercial about coming together over food
Love
- Sh’ma Now -Love is Complicated
- The Journal of Jewish Sensibilities June 2017 edition on love
- The Giving Tree
- The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein is a story about loving and giving in friendship.
Gratitude
הכרת הטוב
Hakarat HaTov
21 tr- Info
- Programs
- Media
- Texts
Gratitude
“Who is rich? Those who rejoice in their own portion.”
(Pirkei Avot 4:1)
Readiness to show appreciation and return kindness; the quality of being thankful.
With gratitude, or hakarat hatov, we are thankful for everything around us, even our label as a mensch! We have the ability to step back at camp and reflect on all the great aspects of our lives.
Do you have a program, text, or media resource related to this value? Send it our way: teri@jewishcamp.org.
Gratitude
- Knot a Bad Way to Start the Day
- A Cornerstone program by Julie Finkelstein and Erica Goldman
- Gratitude Practice and Expression
- A Cornerstone program by Natalie Rothstein
- Crafting to Create a Culture of Gratitude at Camp
- A Cornerstone program by Daniel Abramson
- Blooming Blessings: Crafting Beauty for our Teachers
- A Cornerstone program by Jill Goldstein Smith
- Sports and Soul
- A Cornerstone program by Mara Berde
- Giving Sight to the Blind
- A Cornerstone program by Mat Tanti
- Ethical Food Consumption and Judaism
- A Cornerstone program by Seth Wax
- Jewish Meditation in a Pinch
- A Cornerstone Program by Seth Wax
- Sports and Soul
- A Cornerstone program by Mara Berde
Gratitude
-
A CEO Who Writes 9,200 Employee Birthday Cards a Year Explains the Value of Gratitude
- An article from Business Insider
- What’s Jewish about Gratitude?
- An introductory video for parents from Shaboom
- Gratitude
- A podcast discussion of this middah
- Everything is Amazing
- A video for children from Shaboom
- Teaching your Children Gratitude
- Insights from Kveller
- Mussar Program – Gratitude
- A resource from Jewish Pathways
- Simply Happy
- A podcast from the TED Radio Hour
- Anatomy of Gratitude
- A one hour conversation on Gratitude
- Three Gratitude
- A poem by Carrie Newcomer
- Stop Making Gratitude All About You
- An article about the selflessness of gratitude
- How Gratitude Can Help Your Career
- An article by Peter Bregman
- The Science of Gratitude
- A podcast about where gratitude comes from
- The Gratitude Game
- A game to introduce gratitude to your children
- Middah of the Week – Gratitude
- A Director blog from Camps Airy & Louise
- On the Need for Hakarat Hatov in the Jewish Community
- An article by Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin
- You Can Dance
- A video on Gratitude
- On Gratitude
- Some thoughts from The Institue for Experiential Jewish Education
- On Gratitude
- Some resources from PJ Library on this topic
- Reading for Gratitude
- A Mussar resource for achieving gratitude
- Mean Joe Coke Ad
- A commercial about gratitude
Gratitude
- Middah of the Month – Gratitude
- Different interpretations of gratitude
- 6 Points Sports-Gratitude
- A resource from URJ 6 Points Sports Academy
Joy
שמחה
Simcha
28 tr- Info
- Programs
- Media
- Texts
Joy
“It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.”
– Albert Einstein
A feeling of great pleasure and happiness.
Embracing joy, or simcha, allows us to embrace being a mensch! We are surrounded by joyous occasions at camp!
Mensch in progress… Come back soon for additional resources! Do you have a program, text, or media resource related to this value? Send it our way: teri@jewishcamp.org.
Joy
- Kids Can Teach Us How To Play
- A Cornerstone program by Chana Rothman
- Spin it! Hebrew
- A Cornerstone program by Tomer Moked
- A Time to Dance
- A Cornerstone program by Erica Goldman
- B.Y.O.I. (Bring Your Own Instruments) Musical Tefilah
- A Cornerstone program by Noam Katz
- Frog Hunting
- A Cornerstone program by Daniel Abramson\
- Gmorning, Gnight!
- A Cornerstone program by Teri McGuire
Joy
- A Penny as an ode to Joy
- A video emphasizing that little acts can have a large, joyful impact.
- Seeing Color for the First Time
- A video that shows how much joy there is in the world, even in things we usually take for granted.
Joy
- A poster for joy
- A poster from Camp Tel Noar (photo credit: David Leifer)
- Engaging with Simcha
- A guide for talking to campers about Joy from URJ Camp Harlam
- Sh’ma Now – Finding Joy in a Complicated World
- The Journal of Jewish Sensibilities May 2016 edition on Simcha
Wholeness & Peacefulness
שלמות
Shleimut
35 tr
- Info
- Programs
- Texts
Wholeness & Peacefulness
“I get those fleeting, beautiful moments of inner peace and stillness – and then the other 23 hours and 45 minutes of the day, I’m a human trying to make it through in this world.”
– Ellen DeGeneres
The state of being mentally and spiritually harmonious with no sort of stress or anxiety in your way.
Wholeness & Peacefulness, or Shleimut, is a key aspect of being a mensch! We are able to fill ourselves up with the things that make us happiness at camp, and once we are full we are able to achieve inner piece.
Mensch in progress… Come back soon for additional resources! Do you have a program, text, or media resource related to this value? Send it our way: teri@jewishcamp.org.
Wholeness & Peacefulness
- Welcoming the Seventh Day
- A Cornerstone program by Ariella Rosen
- Appendix: Metaphors of Shabbat
- Spin it! Shabbat – Remembering Creation
- A Cornerstone program by Meir Balofsky
- Spin it! Shabbat
- A Cornerstone program by Akiko Yonekawa
- Unpacking My Jewish Baggage
- A Cornerstone program by Sarra Alpert
Wholeness & Peacefulness
- The Missing Piece
- A poem by Shel Silverstein
- Summer Camps Make Kids Resilient
- Dr. Michael Unger discusses how a well-organized summer camp allows kids to grow psychologically and handle stress in their own lives.
Groundedness
יסוד
Yesod
42 tr
- Info
- Programs
Groundedness
“Every person should have two pockets so he can reach into one or the other, according to his needs. In one pocket, carry a note that says ‘Bishvili Nivrat Ha’Olam- for my sake, the world was created.’ In the other pocket, a note that says, ‘Anochi Afar Va’Efer- I am dust and ashes.”
–Rabbi Simcha Bunim of Przysucha, 19th century CE.
To be well balanced and sensible, including being both mentally and emotionally stable.
In order to be a mensch we must be grounded. Being at camp grounds us and gives us the foundation we need to grow.
Mensch in progress… Come back soon for additional resources! Do you have a program, text, or media resource related to this value? Send it our way: teri@jewishcamp.org.
Groundedness
- YOU Matter: Taking Care of Yourself at Camp and Beyond!
- A Cornerstone program by Natalie Goldfein
- Spin it! Shabbat
- A Cornerstone program by Akiko Yonekawa
- Pray With Your Feet
- A Cornerstone program by Mara Berde
Majesty
כתר
Keter
43 fe
- Info
Majesty
Majesty, or Keter, is the highest sfirah, attribute, and cannot truly be understood in a human context. That being said, when one embodies the other 42 elements they make strides to achieve this attribute as they become a mensch.
Mensch in progress… Come back soon for additional resources! Do you have a program, text, or media resource related to this value? Send it our way: teri@jewishcamp.org.