Vayechi . Middah/ Jewish Value Activity Early Years & Foundation Stage 0 - 5 Yaakov loves his children and his grandchildren. When he is a very old man he calls them round him so that he can hug and kiss them and give them each a blessing - Showing love Talk about visiting and showing love to elderly relatives and also to our friends. Sing the Hebrew song Simi Yadech. 'Simi yadech, beyadi Ani shelach ve'at sheli' Or: Sing this verse, to the chorus of We All Live in a Yellow Submarine Take my hand and dance around with me, dance around with me, dance around with me. Key Stage 1 5 - 8 Yaakov knows that each of his children is different and has unique qualities. He gives each son a special blessing so that they will be successful in whatever they do. Some will be kings, priests and teachers, others will be soldiers, farmers and merchants - Each member of a family is special and different Activity One: 'The Interview' This activity works best when sitting in a circle, but can be done to suit individual circumstances. Child 1 holds a 'microphone' to Child 2 and pretends they are being interviewed for CBBC. The 'interviewer' (Child 1) asks: "Tell us what you are good at". Child 2 answers, then holds the 'microphone' and asks Child 3 the question. Try and get the children to think of different things. Activity Two: 'Human Learning Aid' Vayechi is the last Parashah in the Book of Bereishit. Print Resource Pages 1-3, which are flashcards of the names of each Parashah in Bereishit . Distribute these to twelve children who have to form themselves into a line, correctly showing the order of the book of Bereishit. Key Stage 2 8 - 11 The sons of Yosef, Efraim and Menasheh were born and have always lived in Mitzrayim, but they are not influenced by the unacceptable behaviour of the Egyptians. They are true to Hashem - Behave according to Jewish values See Bibliography - General Taken from 'Exploring the Torah' by Shirley Stern. From the Talmud: When Yaakov died Yosef's brothers were afraid, now that their father was dead, that Yosef would turn against them and kill them. To protect themselves they lied to Yosef and told them that before he died Yaakov had left instructions for Yosef to forgive his brothers and not harm them.The rabbis said that the brothers could not be condemned for telling this lie. It is permissible to tell a white lie for the sake of peace. Something to think about Have you ever told a 'white lie'? Do you think it is ever right to lie? For example: Would you lie to spare a friend's feelings? Would you lie to save a person from harm? Would you lie to protect yourself?