This class activity idea is for Torah Live's course on "Jew's Gift to Mankind."
Step #1
Place these two words in front of your students:
Ask your students:
What is Mesirus Nefesh?
How far do you think one can go to sacrifice him or herself?
If one Jew sacrifices him/herself, do you think that has an impact on the Jewish people as a whole?
Important: Make sure students understand that "Mesirus Nefesh" isn't just about jumping into the fire (literally) to sanctify Hashem's name. It's also about everyday activities, from going to shul on time to helping out someone in need.
Step #2
Place a series of notes in front of the students. Each note has a different action, for example:
Now that we've learned that mesirus nefesh is everyday, how would you prioritize this list? What are you willing to go the extra mile for?
Have your students create their own mesirus nefesh list from the notes above. Each student presents their list to the class and discusses what's important to them and what they're willing to be "moser their nefesh" for.
Step #3
Place this image in front of the students:
Ask your students: What does it mean to be Hashem's ambassador in this world? Have them call out what they see in the picture.
As we saw in the activity above, there are so many ways a Jew can sanctify Hashem's name in this world. But we can't be Hashem's ambassador in this world if we're not willing to make the effort. Only through true mesirus nefesh can each and every one of us become Hashem's ambassador and a gift to mankind.
B'hatzlacha!
We'd love to hear how you are using Torah Live in your classroom! And remember, we're a chat away. đ