So many times people read and listen to stories and wonder how to use them to teach. These easy story lessons allows the listener to explore them at length.

 

 

Storytelling is an ancient art. The storyteller’s stories passed down lessons of faith, history and language from one generation to another. In more recent times, stories have proved valuable in teaching morality and problem solving to children. The stories convey hopeful messages, create positive physical changes within the body, and relax the listener.

The mystery, magic and excitement of stories of faith can bring the classroom alive as they stimulate students and encourage critical thinking skills. Jewish stories can better explain holidays, ethics, history and the Jewish lifecycle while creating an atmosphere to strengthen Jewish identity.

There is a rich history of Jewish stories and folktales that suggests that stories are a powerful method to transmit, store, and access values. When a story is told, the story’s context gives the value a reality that isn’t communicated without a clear example. Stories, however, are remembered much more than information or statements. They take on a life of their own in a student’s memory. Students may often find within stories ways to address issues in their personal lives. A story also gives a teacher a simple way to reference a story. It is fairly hard to ask a student, “Don’t you remember the when we learned about “Gamilut Chasadim”? A Hebrew term and a new idea are not likely to remain active long in the memory when is not reinforced. On the other hand, if the teacher should ask, “Remember the story about the rabbi who fixed the flawed stone?” is much more likely to be remembered and retained.

Each of the Jewish Tales of the Storyteller lessons allows students develop an appreciation for Jewish values through hearing stories and “finding its meaning.” A series of short Jewish texts allows students to explore the nuances of uniquely Jewish insights into its application. The values remain with the listener giving them the tools to address situation or conflicts they may experience at a later time. This in turn will allow later experiences to become insightful and heartfelt learning opportunities.

Visit the Tales of the Storyteller Page