Akiva Book

Rabbi Jablon’s 6^th Grade Seminar

Summer Reading: Akiva, by Rabbi Meir Lehmann

PART I:

In this seminar, you will often be writing in your “response journal.” This will allow you to keep a record of your work, as well as of my comments. Please answer the following questions in your response journal. DUE: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4th

1) Was Rabbi Akiva a hero? Be sure to fully explain your answer and prove your opinion. Use examples from the book. (about 3 pages)

2) Who was Rachel and why was she important? (about 1 page)

3) Who was Bar Kochva and what did he do? How did Rabbi Akiva relate to him? (about 1 page)

4) Who was Rabbi Dr. Meir Lehmann? Why did he write this book? How do you think his background influenced his writing? (about 1 page)

5) Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not? Be sure to fully explain your answer and use examples from the book. (about 2 pages)

PART II:

This book has a lot of historical information based on the Gemara, Midrash and other sources. It also has material that Rabbi Lehmann has “filled in.” Write your own story about another ancient Jewish hero (from the time of the Tanakh or Mishna), using this same style. Your first draft should be in your response journal. Your final draft will typed and emailed to me. (about 6-8 journal pages)

DRAFT IN JOURNAL DUE: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11th