Kitah Vav (Grade 6) Midrash Project

The students in Kitah Vav of the Temple Shalom Emeth Religious School were participants in a midrash project this fall. Midrash is a Hebrew word meaning interpretation. The term midrash can refer to a particular way of reading and interpreting a biblical verse. Midrashim fill in the gaps behind the oft-times sketchy, skeletal narrative of the Torah. Midrash adds meat to the bones, telling us things we otherwise would never know, mainly the dialogues between the Torah's figures and details of their lives.

The project required that members of the class pair up and write a midrash based on the story of the Akeidah, or the binding of Isaac (VaYera, 22:1-22:19). In this parsha, we are told how G-d required that Abraham bring his son Isaac to the top of Mount Moriah, bind him on an alter and sacrifice him. Abraham demonstrated his faith in G-d, and was spared the death of the son that he loves. The members of Kitah Vav were asked to write their particular slant on the story, giving their insights and thoughts. Click on the links to the left to read the Kitah Vav midrashim, and see their illustrations as well.